“I am under that impression.” “He must be a long-suffering sort of fellow, or----” “Or what?” “I was going to say something that _might_ sound rude.” “Oh, pray don’t hesitate on my account! I’ve often heard you say rude things; and one speech more or less does not signify.” “Yes; and it may serve as a slight antidote to the large doses of flattery you are forced to swallow.” “Come! Or _what_?” “I was going to say, he does not care a rap about you. It’s a little way married men have, particularly in these days of emancipated womankind--especially wives. Does he care, Mrs. Wynne?” “You want to know too much,” she answered, without raising her eyes. “Some day I shall make you acquainted with one another, and then you can ask him.” “All right, then; I will. I suppose Mrs. Leach is going abroad with you?” “Oh dear, no!” she replied, with unusual emphasis. “Then she is not living here _altogether_?” “Oh no! What an absurd idea!” “She is a handsome woman for her age, although she will never see fifty again.” “I think she will.” “You mean that she will live to a hundred?” “No. I mean that she is not more than thirty.” “I should be sorry to be hanging since she was fifty!” “Every woman is the age she looks,” said Miss West, sententiously. “So be it; neither Mrs. Leach’s age nor looks concern me. You and she hit it off together pretty well, don’t you?” “Certainly,” she answered rather loftily. “Then that is all right!” in a tone of brisk relief. “What do you mean?” “Miss West, excuse me, if I repeat your own recent reply to me, you want to know _too_ much.” “If you imply----” she began, but hesitated, for at this instant the door was opened by a footman, and Mr. West entered, leaning on Mrs. Leach’s arm, whilst his valet followed with a supply of papers, rugs, and cushions. They formed quite an interesting procession. END OF VOL. II. PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLES. Transcriber’s Notes Page 3: “in chiffron and silver” changed to “in chiffon and silver” Page 78: “guide and circerone” changed to “guide and cicerone” Page 221: “tastes in commom” changed to “tastes in common”