Mrs. Halpine was still as meticulous as Melva remembered and she was glad for that. At least there was one family in Ichorhold who was still treating her as usual. Mrs. Halpine gave her a disapproving look at her messy hair and her crumpled dress; Melva unconsciously reached her hair and combed it with her fingers, as if trying to make herself look proper in front of her old teacher.
"You are still as unkempt as you used to. Glad to see that side of you have not changed yet. I can barely recognise you in that getup," commented Mrs. Halpine critically.
"Nice to see you again, Mrs. Halpine," greeted Melva in a friendly manner despite Mrs. Halpine's disapproving comment. The only family she was looking forward to meeting again was the Halpines. Their kindness was something Melva could never forget. They had been treating her like their own daughter, although they had a daughter of their own.
