pised what
seemed to her to have been won so easily. The softer emotions were
allowed no place in her nature; by careful self-discipline, she had
enabled herself wholly to disregard the unhappy side of life, to pass
without the least twinge of sympathy all human sorrows and pains. If
reminded of them against her will, she hardened herself with the bitter
memory of her early years, when, as she said, she had suffered quite
enough for one lifetime. The habit of her mind was to regard existence
as an entertaining spectacle. She had a most comfortable seat, and
flattered herself that few people could appreciate so well as she the
comedy going on before her. When she found an opportunity for
intervention; when, with little or no trouble to herself, she could
rearrange a scene or prepare a novel situation; so much the better was
she pleased, and all the more disdain did she feel for the fussy,
pompous mortals who were so easily manipulated.

At present she had her eyes upon a personage who amused her
considerably. He answered to the name of Dyce Lashmar, and fell under
the general description of charlatan. Not for a moment had Mrs. Toplady
been in doubt as to this classification; but Dyce Lashmar was not quite
an ordinary charlatan, and seemed to be worth the observing. She meant
to know him thoroughly, to understand what he really aimed at--whether
he harboured merely a gross design on Lady Ogram's wealth, or in truth
believed himself strong enough to win a place among those grave
comedians who rule the world. He was a very young man; he had not
altogether got rid of youth's ingenuousness; if his ideas were his own
(she doubted it) he had evidently a certain mental equipment, which
would aid him--up to a certain point; in every case, he excelled in
intellectual plausibility. Perhaps he might get into Parliament; for
the amusement of the thing, she would try to help him in that
direction. On returning from Rivenoak, she had at once begun to spread
rumours of a Coming man, a new light in the political world, that it
behooved one to keep an eye on. So seldom did Mrs. Toplady risk her
reputation by rash prophecy, that those who heard of Mr. Lashmar were
disposed to take him with all seriousness. Certain of Mrs. Toplady's
intimates begged, and were promised, the privilege of meeting him. To
that end, a ceremonious evening was appointed in Pont Street.

Meanwhile, Lashmar had called, and met with a very gracious reception.
He wa