"Though, after all," as she said to herself a minute or two later, when she had recovered her usual, somewhat arrogant self-possession, "after all, hateful old cat though she is, she is an aged woman--too old to act these ridiculous travesties--and I hope I know what good breeding demands of politeness to our elders." For, as this mention of her later reflections shows, Paulina was by no means as yet out of the wood. The ancient lady held out her glittering hand. "Does she expect me to kiss it?" the girl asked herself, when, to her horror, came a reply to the unspoken query. "No," said Cousin Felicity, as she touched the tips of Paulina's now extended fingers, "no," and this was the first word she had uttered, "she does not. But what she sets far before curtseys and deference to fine clothes and diamonds is respectful behaviour to the poor and aged. How about the old peasant who presumed to intrude upon you this morning?" Then Paulina knew, and she shivered. But her courage was good. "It was not only what you think, Madam," she replied, "you do me scarce justice. I desire to show respect to age. This morning I was taken aback. I was so newly roused." Cousin Felicity bent her head, as if in royal pardon, though she did not speak, and Paulina turning quickly, was glad to catch hold of Annot, who with some of the others had drawn near in curiosity, though this was tempered by their familiarity with the strange old dame's eccentricity. "You have met before?" Annot whispered. "She often frightens people at first," for she felt that her friend was trembling. "I am not frightened," returned Paulina in the same tone. "I was only startled and--rather angry. I had forgotten all about what you told us. I will explain afterwards. I don't think people--especially old ladies--should play tricks to catch others." Annot smiled, but she herself looked nervous. "Dear Paulina," she pleaded, "for goodness sake, don't be angry. I told you she was not to be counted in any way as an ordinary person. Don't frown so. She may see it--oh no, she is now occupied with Clodagh. Just watch." For by this time it was the younger girl's turn to be led up to the great armchair. She had been standing a little in the background, standing there dreamily, as if she were trying to remember something. But she did not seem timid or shy when at a touch on the arm from her hostess she came quietly forward, her sweet Irish blue eyes, looking almost black under their long lashes, lifted with a sort of gentle, half-bewildered enquiry, as she drew near to the formidable little old lady. And for the first time, as the keen, piercing glance of this redoubtable personage fell upon the young girl, a smile, softening the hard expression and marvellously rejuvenating the small dried-up features, crept over Cousin Felicity's face.