And Constance, far too lovely, too cold, too proud, not to acknowledge beauty in others, where it really existed, was nevertheless unaffectedly indignant at a comparison so unworthy; she even, at times, despised her own claims to admiration, since claims so immeasurably inferior could be put into competition with them.

Added to this sore feeling for Lady Margaret, was one created by Lady Margaret's mother.

The Duchess of Winstoun was a woman of ordinary birth--the daughter of a peer of great wealth but new family.

She had married, however, one of the most powerful dukes in the peerage;--a stupid, heavy, pompous man, with four castles, eight parks, a coal-mine, a tin-mine, six boroughs, and about thirty livings.

Inactive and reserved, the duke was seldom seen in public: the care of supporting his rank devolved on the duchess; and she supported it with as much solemnity of purpose as if she had been a cheesemonger's daughter.