“Well, I’ll tell ye after I’ve been on one. I once got a lift on a traction-engine--me and a girl--I mean, a girl and myself--and I suppose it’s the same sort of thing?” “Only the pace is slightly different.” “Yes; but the noise, and the joggling, and the frightening of horses and cattle, is all one.” “I daresay you are right there,” he assented. “What part of Ireland have you lived in?” inquired a smartly dressed lady, who was seated near Joseline. “The south, near Glenveigh.” “Oh, yes; a great place for fishing, is it not?” “I would not say that; but it’s where people come _looking_ for fishing.” “And don’t get it. I see! By the way, does not Mrs. Borrodaile live in that part of the world?” “She does so, at the Court.” “I suppose you know her--er--by sight?” Joseline nodded. “I seen her in the chapel.” “Do tell me what she is like?” “Well, some makes out she is handsome; but I’d call her a very streelish lady.” “Streelish!” she repeated. “You mean stylish?” “No, no, I do not. She has a great streel on her--long, sweeping things--and looks as if she was falling out of her clothes.” “Really?” she laughed. “I must inquire into this. I’ve not seen her for ages; she is my cousin.” “Is she so?” rejoined Joseline imperturbably. “I believe she is very good to the poor. Her kitchen-maid was a friend of mine and thought a power of her. Still and all, she _has_ a rakish look!” This newly discovered heiress was a unique creature, with her distinguished face and her extraordinary talk. She was splendid fun; people began to hover near her. Her father watched her with nervous apprehensions. It was too bad of her ladyship to bring the child forward before she had a little experience of society! But her ladyship had her own views; she wished to make her husband uncomfortable and ashamed of his low-bred daughter. He now joined the circle, and with unexpected animation, urged people to seat themselves at bridge. Bridge, the all-fascinating, soon scattered Joseline’s little court; and presently she and her father stole away together to have a talk in the library. They were not missed. When Joseline had retired, Lord Mulgrave, as he smoked alone, began to ask himself if he would not have been wise to have accepted Lottie’s broad hint, and sent the child to a school for a few months, just to rub off the rough edges of her vocabulary?