I may say that I have a very high opinion indeed of Miss Bride, and that there's no one in whom I put more confidence." "Will she go to London with us ?" "Certainly, I couldn't get on without her help." May was relieved.

The prospect of living alone with her great-aunt, even in London, had mingled a little uneasiness with her joyful anticipation.

Now she abandoned herself to high spirits, and talked until Lady Ogram began to have a headache.

For an hour before luncheon they drove out together, May still gossiping, her aged relative now and then attentive, but for the most part drowsily musing.
That afternoon, when an hour or two of sleep had somewhat restored her, Lady Ogram sketched several letters for her secretary to write.

Pausing at length, she looked at Miss Bride, and, for the first time, addressed her by her personal name.
"Constance--" The other responded with a pleased and gratified smile.
"From Mr.Lashmar's talk of him, what sort of idea have you formed of Lord Dymchurch ?" "Rather a vague one, I'm afraid.