This lady, who seemed to be a mere dummy in the establishment, was, as he now learnt, Mrs.Goodman by name, a widow of a recently deceased gentleman, and aunt to Paula--the identical aunt who had smuggled Paula into a church in her helpless infancy, and had her christened without her parents' knowledge.

Having been left in narrow circumstances by her husband, she was at present living with Miss Power as chaperon and adviser on practical matters--in a word, as ballast to the management.

Beyond her Somerset discerned his new acquaintance Mr.Woodwell, who on sight of Somerset was for hastening up to him and performing a laboured shaking of hands in earnest recognition.
Paula had just come in from the garden, and was carelessly laying down her large shady hat as he entered.

Her dress, a figured material in black and white, was short, allowing her feet to appear.

There was something in her look, and in the style of her corsage, which reminded him of several of the bygone beauties in the gallery.