o know that by experience?'

'Yes; its positive, not its relative character,' he said, smiling.

'But you-- However, I suppose you pass for an Englishman.'

'Yes, but I have seen Americans there. My late uncle, Mr. Strahan, was
a very uncommon man, full of rare knowledge, and very highly regarded
by those who knew him. Lord Holland was a great friend of his, and he
was always welcomed at Holland House. I slipped in under his wing.'

'Then since Mr. Strahan's death you do not go there any more?'

'Yes, I have been there. Lord Holland is one of the most kindly men in
the kingdom, and he has not withdrawn the kindness he showed me as Mr.
Strahan's nephew and favourite.'

'If you go _there_, you must go into a great deal of London society,'
said Betty, wondering. 'I am afraid you have been staying at home for
our sakes. Mrs. Dallas would not like that.'

'No,' said Pitt, 'the case is not such. Once in a while I have gone to
Holland House, but I have not time for general society.'

'Not time!'

'No,' said Pitt, smiling at her expression.

'Not time for society! That is--_is_ it possibly--because of Martin's
court, and the Duke of Trefoil's alley, and the like?'

'What do you think?' said Pitt, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
'There is society and society, you know. Can you drink from two
opposite sides of a cup at the same time?'

'But one has _duties_ to Society!' objected Betty, bewildered somewhat
by the argument and the smile together.

'So I think, and I am trying to meet them. Do not mistake me. I do not
mean to undervalue _real_ society; I will take gladly all I can that
will give me mental stimulus and refreshment. But the round of fashion
is somewhat more vapid than ever, I grant you, after a visit to my
lace-mender. Those two things cannot go on together. Shall we walk
home? It is not very far from here. I am afraid I have tired you!'

Betty denied that; but she walked home very silently.

CHAPTER XLV.

_THE ABBEY_.

This interruption of the pleasure sights was alone in its kind. Pitt
let the subject that day so thoroughly handled thenceforth drift out of
sight; he referred to it no more; and continually, day after day, he
gave himself up to the care of providing new entertainment for his
guests. Drives into the country, parties on the river, visits to grand
places, to picture galleries, to curiosities, to the British Museum,
alternated with and succeeded each other. Pitt seemed untir