But I wanted to come so much . It is so nice to be home again . '' Mrs. March watched her guest as she ate and drank . It was plain enough that her mind , or rather her memory , was affected . She did not realize that this was no longer her home . At moments she seemed to fancy herself back in the past again . Once or twice she called Mrs. March `` Mother . '' Presently a sharp knock was heard at the hall door . Mrs. March excused herself and went out . In the porch stood Theodosia Stapp and a woman whom Mrs. March did not at first glance recognize -- a tall , aggressive-looking person , whose sharp black eyes darted in past Mrs. March and searched every corner of the hall before anyone had time to speak . `` Lawful heart ! '' puffed Mrs. Stapp , as she stepped in out of the biting wind . `` I 'm right out of breath . Mrs. March , allow me to introduce Mrs. Kent . We 're looking for Mrs. Baxter . She has run away , and we thought perhaps she came here . Did she ? '' `` She is in my sitting-room now , '' said Mrs. March quietly . `` Did n't I say so ? '' demanded Mrs. Kent , turning to Mrs. Stapp .
She spoke XXXXX a sharp , high-pitched tone that grated on Mrs. March 's nerves .
At Kent Mother as before for in of that to