Albinia’s candour burst out as usual, ‘Say no more about it, my dear; it was a mistake from beginning to end. I was too much taken up with my own diversion to attend to you, and now you are punishing me for it. I left you to take care of yourselves, and exposed poor little Genevieve to unkind remarks.’ ‘I don’t know what I said,’ began Lucy. ‘I don’t mean to blame her; it was just as she always is with Gilbert, so very French.’ That word settled it--Lucy pronounced it with ineffable pity and contempt--she was far less able to forgive another for being attractive, than for trying to attract. Sophy looked excessively hurt and grieved, and in private asked her step-mother what she thought of Genevieve’s behaviour. ‘My dear, I cannot tell; I think she was off her guard with excitement; but all was very new to her, and there was every excuse. I was too happy to be wise, so no wonder she was.’ ‘And do you think Captain Ferrars was laughing at her? I wish you would tell her, mamma. Gilbert says he is a fine, flourishing officer in moustaches, who, he is sure, flirts with and breaks the heart of every girl he meets. If he is right, mamma, it would cure Genevieve to tell her so, and you would not mind it, though he is your cousin.’ ‘Poor Fred!’ said Albinia. ‘I am sorry Gilbert conceived such a notion. But Genevieve’s heart is too sensible to break in that way, even if Fred wished it, and I can acquit him of such savage intentions. I never should have seen any harm in all that Genevieve did last night if she had not talked us to death coming home! Still I think she was off her balance, and I own I am disappointed. But we don’t know what it is to be born French!’ CHAPTER XVI. ‘Mrs. Kendal, dear Madame, a great favour, could you spare me a few moments?’ A blushing face was raised with such an expression of contrite timidity, that Albinia felt sure that the poor little Frenchwoman had recovered from her brief intoxication, and wanted to apologize and be comforted, so she said kindly, ‘I was wishing to see you, my dear; I was afraid the day had been too much for you; I was certain you were feverish.’ ‘Ah! you were so good to make excuses for me. I am so ashamed when I think how tedious, how disagreeable I must have been. It was why I wished to speak to you.’ ‘Never mind apologies, my dear; I have felt and done the like many a time--it is the worst of enjoying oneself.’ ‘Oh! that was not all--I could not help it--enjoyment--no!’ stammered Genevieve. ‘If you would be kind enough to come this way.’