Lady Canning, talking in her low, distinct tones, dispensed the tea from a very old massive tea-service. Indiana noticed that she never raised her voice, and she dropped her own insensibly. She was, wisely, not too profuse in her praises of her apartments, quick to see that Lady Canning was not of a nature to appreciate much demonstration. But she continued to show her gratitude delicately by an opportune remark now and then. "I have not heard much from your Uncle Nelson," remarked Lady Canning. "Oh, don’t worry about him," laughed Indiana. "He’s enjoying himself immensely—isn’t he, Thurston?" "Yes, my darling. He has really quite assimilated himself with the American life, mother." "Indeed! You surprise me. One would have thought at his age, that that would have been very difficult—" "Oh, not at all," interrupted Indiana. "You see, my grandmother has taken him in charge. They go out together, everywhere." "Your grandmother," repeated Lady Canning, raising her eyebrows. "And she is able to go out—everywhere?" Indiana gave vent to a burst of merriment, then checked herself, suddenly. Her laughter had sounded very loud in those quiet surroundings. "Grandma Chazy enjoys life more than any of us. She’s full of health and spirits." "Remarkable, is it not, Thurston?" "Women don’t grow old in the States, mother." "They take all they can, out of life, to the last gasp," explained Indiana. "I should not like to censure women of another environment to my own," said Lady Canning. "But at a certain age, I think it better fitting to prepare oneself for the next life, than to still seek enjoyment from this. How does it appear to you, my dear child?" Indiana hesitated, then met Thurston’s eyes fixed anxiously upon her. "As you say, Lady Canning, I think it would be better fitting," she answered, seriously. "I’m glad you agree with me," said Lady Canning, well pleased. "From this one example, Thurston, I am inclined to think that my ideas and Indiana’s run very much in the same groove."