nds. In matters of business she always
knew her mind--even if she did not always tell it; indecision was
reserved for another department. But neither in notes, nor in telegrams
did she disclose anything of her doings, except that she was well and
enjoying herself.

So time rolled on; we came to the month of June--and to the Flower Show.
The great annual festivity of the Catsford Horticultural and
Arboricultural Association had always, of recent years, been held in the
grounds of Breysgate Priory, and at the Mayor's request (Councillor
Bindlecombe was also President of the Association) I had obtained Miss
Driver's consent to the continuance of this good custom. In Jenny's
absence the Show was to be opened by Lady Sarah Lacey. I have mentioned
that no open rupture had taken place between Fillingford and
Breysgate--there was only a very chilly feeling. Lady Sarah came, with
her brother Lord Fillingford and his son. Sir John and Lady Aspenick
from Overington Grange, the Dormers from Hingston, Bertram Ware--our
M.P.--from Oxley Lodge, and many others--in fact all one side of the
county--graced the occasion, mingled affably with the elect of Catsford,
and made themselves distantly agreeable to the non-elect. (This
statement does not, for obvious reasons, apply in all its exactitude to
the M.P. If the bulk of the male guests were not elect, they were
electors.) Everybody was hospitably entertained, but there was a Special
Table, where, in years gone by, Mr. Driver himself had welcomed the most
distinguished guests. His death and his daughter's absence--I fear I
must add, Cartmell's also (he would have taken place of me, I
think)--elevated me to this august position. In fact I had to play host,
and so came for the first time into social relations with our august
neighbors. I was not without alarm.

Lady Sarah questioned me about Jenny with polite but hostile curiosity.
Her inquiries contrived to suggest that, with such a father and such a
childhood, it would be wonderful if Miss Driver had really turned out as
well as Lady Sarah hoped. I was not surprised, and set the attitude down
to a natural touch of jealousy: between the two ladies titular
precedence and solid power would very likely not coincide. Lord
Fillingford talked to the Mayor--who sat between him and me--with a
defensively dignified reserve. He was slightly built, and walked rather
stiffly; he wore small whiskers, and inclined to baldness. Indisputably
a gentleman