When her listener showed amusement, Lady Ogram was pleased; if he seemed to find the picture too entertaining, she added--"But he--or she--is not a fool, remember that." So did the talk go on, until a servant entered to announce the arrival of Mrs.Toplady, who had gone to her room, and, being rather tired, would rest there till dinner-time.
"Where is Miss Bride ?" asked Lady Ogram.
"Miss Bride has just returned from Hollingford, my lady." "I remember," said the hostess to her guest.

"She had an appointment with Mrs.Gallantry, who has her eye on a house for the training-school.

I suppose we must set the thing going; there's no harm in it." Constance entered in a few minutes, greeted Lashmar as if she saw him every day, and began to talk about Mrs.Gallantry's project.
When, a couple of hours later, Dyce came down dressed for dinner, Mrs.
Toplady was already in the drawing-room.

He heard her voice, a well-modulated contralto which held the ear, and, looking in that direction, saw a tall, dark-robed woman, of middle age, with a thin face, its lines rather harsh, but in general effect handsome, and a warm complexion, brightly red upon the prominent cheek-bones.

Jewelry sparkled in her hair, from her white throat, and on her fingers.