I had not been quite four and twenty hours in England yet, and I was becoming a humbug already.
My stepmother was her charming self again the moment my question had passed my lips.

Society--provided it was not society at the mill--was always attractive as a topic of conversation.

"Your absence was the only drawback," she answered.

"I have asked the two ladies (my lord has an engagement) to dine here to-day, without ceremony.

They are most anxious to meet you.