to hint that Mr. Gaythorne might be
trying at times, Greta only smiled and said, "That was very likely,
only Alwyn managed him so beautifully, and she hoped in time to do the
same. I know that he dislikes visitors," she went on, "but, as you and
Dr. Luttrell are exceptions, I do not so much mind, and I shall be
quite happy with Alwyn."

"Oh, no doubt," returned Olivia, in her quick, decided way; "but you
must remember, Greta dear, that we owe a duty to our fellow-creatures,
and you must not allow Mr. Gaythorne to carry his misanthropical views
too far. There is no need for him to be troubled with visitors; he is
far too ailing for much fatigue and exertion; but surely you and Alwyn
can entertain your friends in your own rooms," and, though Greta
hesitated and looked rather alarmed at the idea of opposing her
formidable father-in-law-elect, she was soon brought to acknowledge
that society would be good for Alwyn.

"There is no hurry, we can be quiet this first winter," she said; "but,
of course, if people call upon me, I shall return their visits, but we
cannot settle beforehand. I shall first wait and see what Alwyn
wishes, and you must own, Olive, that I have not led a gay life here."

"By-the-bye," observed Olivia, suddenly, "what have you decided to do
with this house and furniture?" but Greta had evidently not taken these
matters into consideration.

"All the best things will go to Galvaston House, I suppose," she
replied, looking round her, "but most of the furniture is old-fashioned
and not up-to-date. I suppose people would call it handsome, and, of
course, the oak in the dining-room is in thoroughly good taste. I must
talk to Alwyn about it; perhaps it might be let furnished. Dear father
used to say selling furniture was such a mistake,--one never got the
full value."

"I remember how grand I thought it the first day I called," returned
Olivia, smiling. "The drawing-room with that beautiful conservatory
opening out of it, and the plush curtains, and those luxurious couches
made me feel so shabby. But I suppose the drawing-room at Galvaston
House is still better. The glass door opening on the garden is so
pleasant, and those Venetian cabinets and that carved settle are really
beautiful."

"Yes, and it would be such a pity to modernise the room. Besides, what
does one want with a drawing-room at all? I am sure I never enter
mine. I shall live in the morning-room and the studio, and I suppose
in