Lady Sara, meanwhile, had invited Agnes Carillon to walk through the famous gardens of Kemmerstone, and, as each girl was anxious to study the other, they started on the expedition in that high pitch of nervous excitement and generous animosity which one may detect in splendid rivals, or even in formal allies. Sara dressed more richly than was the fashion at that time among English unmarried ladies. Her furs, velvets, laces and jewels were referred to an Asiatic, barbaric love of display. Agnes, therefore, who had attired herself, in protest, even more plainly than usual, was a little taken aback to find her remarkable acquaintance in brown cashmere, a cloth jacket, and a severe felt hat of the Tyrolean shape, which, poised upon her chignon, tilted far over her fine blue eyes. Both women, however, were so young and handsome that even the trying fashions of the period could not destroy their brilliant appearance. The chagrin of the one and the ironical triumph of the other soon gave way to more generous feelings. Each took her companion's measure with a swift, intelligent, respectful glance. "Shall we need umbrellas?" said Agnes. "I have nothing on that will spoil," replied Sara, "but I am a little anxious about your shoes. Are they thick enough?" Miss Carillon was above many vanities; she left her facial beauty to take care of itself. But her feet were uncommonly well moulded, and she was careful not to disguise them in the hideous porpoise-hide boots with flat soles and no instep which found favour with her generation. "They look very nice," continued Sara, "and I really think they are worth a slight cold. Take my arm, for then we can walk better. How nobly Lord Reckage has behaved in this dreadful affair of Robert Orange! You won't think me strange for introducing the subject at once? It must be on both our minds, for you are naturally thinking of Reckage, and I am thinking of dear Pensée." "Beauclerk is very fond of Mr. Orange." "He must be. Do notice the autumn tint on those beech-trees. How I envy artists--although it is not their business to contend with Nature. The great vice of the present day is _bravura_--an attempt to do something beyond the truth. That reminds me--how does the portrait grow? David Rennes is extremely clever." "Beauclerk admires his work. He considers him finer than Millais." "What does he think of the portrait?" "He hasn't seen it yet. My people are much pleased with the likeness. I find it flattering." "Indeed!" said Sara thoughtfully. "Did you give him many sittings?" "He knows my face pretty well. We are acquaintances of some years' standing. Papa has a high opinion of him." "And you?" "I am no judge. Women can know so little about men."