I am not in the habit of hesitating about any step which I consider necessary for my grandchildren's welfare.' She looked him full in the face, with those falcon eyes of hers; and he gave her back a look as resolute, and every whit as full of courage and of pride.
'Well,' he said, after a very perceptible pause, 'no doubt your ladyship has done wisely, and I must submit to your jurisdiction.

But I had asked Lady Lesbia a question, and I had been promised an answer.' 'Your question has been answered by Lady Lesbia.

She left a note for you,' replied Lady Maulevrier.
'Thanks,' answered Mr.Hammond, briefly, and he hurried from the room without another word.
The letter was on the table in his bedroom.

He had little hope of any good waiting for him in a letter so written.

The dowager and the world had triumphed over a girl's dawning love, no doubt.
This was Lesbia's letter: 'Dear Mr.Hammond,--Lady Maulevrier desires me to say that the proposal which you honoured me by making this morning is one which I cannot possibly accept, and that any idea of an engagement between you and me could result only in misery and humiliation to both.