Not having been a frequent visitor at Aylingford Abbey in recent years, Lady Bolsover knew nothing about the company so constantly assembled there, nothing about her brother's pursuits and interests. That he must have fallen behind the times and become uninteresting, she took for granted; nothing else was to be expected of one who resided constantly in the country, she argued; yet she admitted to herself that Sir John looked a fine gentleman as he passed amongst her guests, and was rather surprised to find how full he was of town graces. After all, he was the owner of Aylingford, a circumstance which marked him as a man of importance, and some of the scandal which had been attached to his name as a younger man had not died out. She heard one woman inquire who he was, and, receiving an answer, say quickly, "_the_ Sir John Lanison, do you mean?" The interest displayed rather pleased Lady Bolsover, for surely fame, however obtained, was preferable to insignificance and nonentity. She therefore received her brother very graciously when he called on the following morning, and felt very contented that he should have chanced last night upon such a brilliant evening, and must realise how big a position his sister filled in the social world of London. If she had been inclined to despise him for burying himself at Aylingford, she was conscious that he had never looked upon her as a very important person. Sir John was full of flattery this morning. He regretted that his niece had a headache, but it enabled him to have his sister to himself. "A few days here, amongst men and women of wit and standing, would cure you of your absurd love of the country," said Lady Bolsover. "At least it has done wonders for my niece," he answered. "Surely you have not come to drag her back into exile!" Sir John smiled. It was evident that Barbara had not entered into an explanation of her reasons for leaving the Abbey. "No, I think she is in very good hands for the present. She appears to have many admirers." "Can you wonder at it? She is as pretty as a picture, and when such a picture has an exceedingly heavy golden frame--" "My dear Peggy, you hit the centre of the target with the first shaft. For most of these admirers the frame is the chief attraction. In this fact arises the difficulty of my guardianship." "Barbara has spirit; you must not draw the rein too tightly or she will kick over the traces," said Lady Bolsover. "Exactly, and show herself a true Lanison," said Sir John. "I propose to let the reins hang very loosely indeed. Let her have her own way. She will find it so uninteresting not to meet with any opposition that she will probably end in doing exactly as I wish." "And to whom have you decided to marry her?" Sir John held up his hand with his fingers apart. "There are at least five to choose from," he said. "All country bumpkins who affect outrageous clothes and delight in muddy boots?" inquired his sister.