as i had then no idea of my mothers new knowledge concerning the graysons , or of the direction her thoughts had taken , i was briefly mystified by the ill-humor that settled over her at the end of our exchange ; but as it is by no means a new thing for her to respond to my conversation thus , i easily dismissed it once we reached the house ; and as she dined with friends , and i remained at home with the remnants of my cough , i quickly forgot the whole matter .