For her part, Nina Berwick was amazed at her friend’s transformation. She occupied a suite on the first floor. She had an English footman, a private sitting-room, a Paris frock, and yet she was not married! The Miss Berwicks were well-born but poor; their aunt could not afford them the delights of a London season. She carried them abroad, where they had never heard of Madeline’s social successes. Lady Fitzsandy roved about the Continent, from one gay centre to another, and was extremely anxious to get her nieces settled--especially Lucy, who was plain and twenty-eight. Lady Fitzsandy gladly foregathered with Mr. West’s pleasant party. They always joined forces after dinner in the hall, and took coffee together. And her ladyship was specially charmed with Mrs. Leach, Miss West’s chaperon, who was so sweet and so handsome--she was connected, too, with her own cousins the Horse-Leaches--and seemed so pleased and interested to hear that Nina had been at school with Miss West. “The dear girls,” as she pointed out the pair sitting side by side on a distant divan, “were going over old times three years ago, and talking so happily together.” This is what they were saying, and what Mrs. Leach would have given her best ring to hear:-- “And so your father came home very wealthy, Maddie? And you live in London, and have had two seasons, and go everywhere--and know everybody?” “Oh, I don’t know about that.” “Well, of course, you have hosts of admirers.” “I don’t know about that either!” “Nonsense, I’m sure you have had hundreds. What was the name of that gentleman at school?” “Gentleman at school--there were no gentlemen--at school.” “Now don’t be silly! He was the friend of some people that used to come to the breaking-up. He danced with you, and Miss Selina was wild. I’m sure you must remember him.” “I don’t want, as you may easily imagine, to remember anything about _school_, except,” picking herself up, “some of my school-fellows.” “Oh, now, let me see, I’ve a shocking memory for names. I think his name began with N, or was there an N in it?” “There was _nothing_ in it--will that answer as well. There is to be a big ball here to-morrow; you are just in time.” “In the hotel?” “Yes; it will be a capital dance.” “But I know no men.” “I know any number, and I will get you partners,” said Madeline, recklessly. And Madeline kept her word, to the intense enjoyment of Miss Berwick, who, thanks to her school-fellow, had quite a delightful plurality of cavaliers. It seemed so strange to Nina Berwick to see Madeline West, the shabby drudge whom she had pitied at school, now surrounded with every luxury and crowds of smart acquaintances, with a carriage and servants at her orders, and all the best _partis_ at her feet. She was extremely good-natured, and did her utmost to give this rather plain, dull little spinster a good time. She got up picnics and golf tournaments. She took her for long drives and pleasant expeditions.