e to discover what could have had this effect. But she could find
nothing, there was no clue anywhere that her unconscious mind could
discover. She concluded finally with much compunction that it was the
implied reproach that he had taken away all pleasure in what she did by
opposing her, that had so disturbed her husband. He was so kind. He had
not been able to bear even the possibility that his opposition had been
a source of pain. "I think I will never oppose you any more." In an
answering burst of generosity Lucy said to herself that she did not
desire this; that she preferred that he should find fault and object
when he disapproved, not consent to everything. But the reflection of
the disturbance she had seen in her husband's countenance was in her
mind all day; she could not shake it off; and he was so grave that every
look she cast at him strengthened the impression. He did not approach
the circle in which the Contessa sat all the evening, but stood apart,
silent, taking little notice of anybody until Mr. Derwentwater secured
his ear, when Sir Tom, instead of his usual genial laugh at MTutor's
solemnities, discharged little caustic criticisms which astonished his
companion. Mr. Derwentwater was going away next day, and he, too, was
preoccupied. After that conversation with Sir Tom, he betook himself to
Lucy, who was very silent too, and doing little for the entertainment of
her guests. He made her sundry pretty speeches, such as are appropriate
from a departing guest.

"Jock has made up his mind to stay behind," he said. "I am sorry, but I
am not surprised. I shall lose a most agreeable travelling companion;
but, perhaps, home influences are best for the young."

"I don't know why Jock has changed his mind, Mr. Derwentwater. He wanted
very much to go."

"He would say that here's metal more attractive," said the tutor with an
offended smile; and then he paused, and, clearing his throat, asked in a
still more evident tone of offence--"Does not your young friend the
Signorina appear again? I thought from her appearance last night that
she was making her _debut_."

"Yes, it was like it," said Lucy. "The Contessa is not like one of us,"
she added after a moment. "She has her own ways--and, perhaps, I don't
know--that may be the Italian fashion."

"Not at all," Mr. Derwentwater said promptly. He was an authority upon
national usages. "But I am afraid it was very transparent what the
Contessa meant," he said, after