It chanced that a Royal Personage, on a certain public occasion, became the guest of the manufacturer, who had local dignities; and so well did Mrs.
Toplady play her part of hostess that Royalty deigned to count her henceforth among its friends.

Her husband would have received a title, but an inopportune malady cut short his life.

A daughter of the first marriage still lived; she had wedded into the army, and was little heard of.

Mrs.Toplady, a widow unattached, took her ease in the world.
"She has seven or eight thousand a year," said Constance, "and spends it all on herself.

Naturally, she is a very polished and ornamental person." "Something more than that, I fancy," returned Dyce, musing.
"Oh, as Lady Ogram would say, she is not a fool." Dyce smiled, and let the topic pass.