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The Odd Women by George Gissing
page 28 of 595 (04%)
extreme discontent, and hinted at vague projects. Whether she
succeeded in releasing herself the Maddens never heard.

It was a morning of doubtful fairness. Before going to bed last
night they had decided to walk out together this morning and
purchase the present for Monica's birthday, which was next Sunday.
But Alice felt too unwell to leave the house. Virginia should write
a reply to Miss Nunn's letter, and then go to the bookseller's
alone.

She set forth at half-past nine. With extreme care she had preserved
an out-of-doors dress into the third summer; it did not look shabby.
Her mantle was in its second year only; the original fawn colour had
gone to an indeterminate grey. Her hat of brown straw was a
possession for ever; it underwent new trimming, at an outlay of a
few pence, when that became unavoidable. Yet Virginia could not have
been judged anything but a lady. She wore her garments as only a
lady can (the position and movement of the arms has much to do with
this), and had the step never to be acquired by a person of vulgar
instincts.

A very long walk was before her. She wished to get as far as the
Strand bookshops, not only for the sake of choice, but because this
region pleased her and gave her a sense of holiday. Past Battersea
Park, over Chelsea Bridge, then the weary stretch to Victoria
Station, and the upward labour to Charing Cross. Five miles, at
least, measured by pavement. But Virginia walked quickly; at
half-past eleven she was within sight of her goal.

A presentable copy of Keble's work cost less than she had imagined.
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