'Now promise me--in earnest.

Don't let them mislead you, for you know you're quite a child, out of your politics, and I shall take you in hand myself.

Why, now, think, Uncle Mel! wouldn't any girl, as silly as they make me out, hold her tongue--not talk of him, as I do; and because I really do feel for him as a friend.

See the difference between me and Juley!' It was a sad sign if Rose was growing a bit of a hypocrite, but this instance of Juliana's different manner of showing her feelings toward Evan would have quieted suspicion in shrewder men, for Juliana watched Evan's shadow, and it was thought by two or three at Beckley Court, that Evan would be conferring a benefit on all by carrying off the romantically-inclined but little presentable young lady.
The diplomatist, with a placid 'Well, well!' ultimately promised to do his best for Rose's friend, and then Rose said, 'Now I leave you to the Countess,' and went and sat with her mother and Drummond Forth.
The latter was strange in his conduct to Evan.

While blaming Laxley's unmannered behaviour, he seemed to think Laxley had grounds for it, and treated Evan with a sort of cynical deference that had, for the last couple of days, exasperated Rose.
'Mama, you must speak to Ferdinand,' she burst upon the conversation, 'Drummond is afraid to--he can stand by and see my friend insulted.
Ferdinand is insufferable with his pride--he's jealous of everybody who has manners, and Drummond approves him, and I will not bear it.' Lady Jocelyn hated household worries, and quietly remarked that the young men must fight it out together.
'No, but it's your duty to interfere, Mama,' said Rose; 'and I know you will when I tell you that Ferdinand declares my friend Evan is a tradesman--beneath his notice.