And Lady Kirkbank thinks my chest is just a little weak--I almost broke down the other night in that lovely little song of Jensen's--and that a winter in the south is just what I want.
But, of course, dear grandmother, I won't ask you to let me be away so long if you think you will miss me.' 'If I think I shall miss her!' repeated Lady Maulevrier.

'Has the girl no heart, that she can ask such a question?
But can I wonder at that?
Of what account was I or my love to her father, although I sacrificed myself for his good name?
Can I expect that she should be of a different clay ?' And then, meditating upon the events of the summer that was gone, Lady Maulevrier thought-- She renounced her first lover at my bidding; she renounces her love for me at the bidding of the world.

Or was it not rather self-interest, the fear of making a bad marriage, which influenced her in her renunciation of Mr.Hammond.It was not obedience to me, it was not love for me which made her give him up.

It was the selfishness engrained in her race.
Well, I have heaped my love upon her, because she is fair and sweet, and reminds me of my own youth.

I must let her go, and try to be happy in the knowledge that she is enjoying her life far away from me.' Lady Maulevrier wrote her consent to the extension of Lesbia's visit, and by return of post came a letter from Lesbia which seemed brimming over with love, and which comforted the grandmother's wounded heart.
'Lady Kirkbank and I are both agreed, dearest, that you must join us at Cannes,' wrote Lesbia.