In appearance Ella was a plain girl – which means that she was incapable of startling. She was neither startlingly attractive, not startlingly ugly. She could attract no attention at first sight: she could therefore never hope to attract very much attention. This does not mean that she was without admirers. But they were few and far between – so few and far between that in her sadder moments she believed herself to be in some way disinherited from the main privileges and delights of other girls and women. But then something would happen which would surprise her, and instil in her mind a new estimation, possibly a too hopeful and deceptive estimation, of her powers. And then she would be disappointed, and proceed to underestimate herself again. Life thus was very difficult – as it must be for a plain, as distinguished from a downright ugly, or a downright attractive, woman. But difficulties did not disturb Ella very much.

Ella was about twenty-eight years of age, had a good figure, and was always neatly and plainly dressed. Her hair was dark, and, to be “in the fashion” as she put it, she had had it shingled.