`` Yes , I know her , '' he admitted tranquilly . `` She is a very handsome woman , and I suppose most people would consider her fascinating . Come , Nic , get on the sled . We have just time for one more coast , and then you must go in . '' `` You were once a good friend ... a very good friend ... of Mrs. Rennie 's , were n't you , Sid ? '' I said . A little mocking gleam crept into his eyes , and I instantly realized that he was looking upon me as a rather impertinent child . `` You 've been listening to gossip , Nic , '' he said . `` It 's a bad habit , child . Do n't let it grow on you . Come . '' I went , feeling crushed and furious and ashamed . I knew her at once when I went down to the drawing-room . There were three other strange women there , but I knew she was the only one who could be Mrs. Rennie . I felt such a horrible queer sinking feeling at my heart when I saw her . Oh , she was beautiful ... I had never seen anyone so beautiful . And Sidney was standing beside her , talking to her , with a smile on his face , but none in his eyes ... I noticed that at a glance . She was so tall and slender and willowy . Her dress was wonderful , and her bare throat and shoulders were like pearls . Her hair was pale , pale gold , and her eyes long-lashed and sweet , and her mouth like a scarlet blossom against her creamy face .
I thought of how I must look beside her ... an awkward little girl in a short skirt with my hair in a braid and too many hands and feet , and I would have given anything then XXXXX be tall and grown-up and graceful .
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