In the white drawing-room, afterwards, Lady Highford was particularly gushing to the new bride.

She came with a group of other women to surround her, and was so playful and charming to all her friends! She must be allowed to sit next to Zara, because, she said, "Your husband and I are such very dear, old friends.

And how lovely it is to think that now he will be able to reopen Wrayth! Dear Lady Tancred is so glad," she purred.
Zara just looked at her politely.

What a done-up ferret woman! she thought.

She had met many of her tribe.