s about at the
time, but was a most interesting individuality, saturated with public
spirit, whose enthusiasm about the Abolition of Slavery had stirred her
sympathetic soul to the quick.

Endless speculation is possible over the feelings of a man and woman so
related, coming together under such changed circumstances, without the
lubricant to easy intercourse of the presence of others. The Countess
would not have faced the possible embarrassments, but would have driven
on to her cousin's house, Poynders, if she had not had a specific
purpose. As it was, it was the very thing she wanted, and she welcomed
it. She had the stronger position, and was prepared for all
contingencies.

Sir Hamilton had very few demeanours open to him. The most obvious one
was that of the courteous host, flattered to receive such a visitor on
any terms, especially proud and cordial in view of the prospect of a
connection between the families. He maintained a penitential attitude
under the depressing shadow of the absence of his better half, which
certainly was made the most of by both; somewhat artificially, a
perceptive visitor might have said, if one had been there to see. The
jeremiads over this unfortunate misadventure must have lasted fully ten
minutes before a lull came; for the gentleman could catch no other wind
in his sails, and had to let out every reef to move at all.

Lady Ancester was not inclined to lose time. "I am particularly sorry
not to see Lady Torrens," she said, "because I really wanted to have a
serious talk with her.... Yes, about the boy and girl--your boy and my
girl." A curious consciousness almost made her wince. Think how easily
either of the young lovers might have been a joint possession! If one,
then both, surely, minus their identities and the _status quo_? It was
like sudden unexpected lemon in a made dish.

The worst of it was--not that each thought the same thing at the same
moment; that was inevitable--but that each knew the other's thought. The
Baronet fell back on mere self-subordination. Automatically
non-existent, he would be safe. "Same thing--same thing--Lady Torrens
and myself! Comes to the same thing whether you say it to me or to her.
Repeat every word!... Of course--easier to talk to her! But comes to the
same thing." He abated himself to a go-between, and was entrenched.

The Countess affected an easy languor to say:--"I really don't feel able
to say what I want straight off. You know I never