tance, Lady Ostermore," said
Lady Mary, whilst the men were bowing, and her cousins curtseying to the
countess and her companion collectively.

The countess gasped, recovered, and eyed the speaker without any sign
of affection. "My husband's ward, ma'am," she corrected, in a voice that
seemed to discourage further mention of Hortensia.

"'Tis but a distinction," put in Mr. Caryll suggestively.

"Indeed, yes. Will not your ladyship present me?" The countess'
malevolent eyes turned a moment upon Mr. Caryll, smiling demurely at
Lady Mary's elbow. In his face--as well as in the four words he had
uttered--she saw that here was work of his, and he gained nothing in her
favor by it. Meanwhile there were no grounds--other than such as must
have been wantonly offensive to the Lady Mary, and so not to be dreamed
of--upon which to refuse her request. The countess braced herself, and
with an ill grace performed the brief ceremony of presentation.

Mistress Winthrop looked up an instant, then down again; it was a
piteous, almost a pleading glance.

Lady Mary, leaving the countess to Sir Harry Stapleton, Caryll and the
others, moved to Hortensia's side for a moment she was at loss what to
say, and took refuge in a commonplace.

"I have long desired the pleasure of your acquaintance," said she.

"I am honored, madam," replied Hortensia, with downcast eyes. Then
lifting them with almost disconcerting suddenness. "Your ladyship has
chosen an odd season in which to gratify this desire with which you
honor me."

Lady Mary laughed, as much at the remark as for the benefit of those
whose eyes were upon her. She knew there would not be wanting many who
would condemn her; but these should be far outnumbered by those who
would be lost in admiration of her daring, that she could so fly in the
face of public opinion; and she was grateful to Mr. Caryll for having
suggested to her a course of such distinction.

"I could have chosen no better season," she replied, "to mark my scorn
of evil tongues and backbiters."

Color stained Hortensia's cheek again; gratitude glowed in her eyes.
"You are very noble, madam," she answered with flattering earnestness.

"La!" said the Lady Mary. "Is nobility, then, so easily achieved?" And
thereafter they talked of inconsequent trifles, until Mr. Caryll moved
towards them, and Lady Mary turned aside to speak to the countess.

At Mr. Caryll's approach Hortensia's eyes had been lowered again, and
she ma