Many other conventions easier to set aside, alas! failed to obtain her recognition, also on temperamental grounds--either because they bored her, or else because they stood in the way of her scorns and sympathies.

Admiration was a sentiment unknown to her (it was one of the secret griefs of her most noble husband against her)--first, as always more or less tainted with mediocrity, and next as being in a way an admission of inferiority.

And both were frankly inconceivable to her nature.

To be fearlessly outspoken in her opinions came easily to her, since she judged solely from the standpoint of her social position.

She was equally untrammelled in her actions; and as her tactfulness proceeded from genuine humanity, her bodily vigour remained remarkable and her superiority was serene and cordial, three generations had admired her infinitely, and the last she was likely to see had pronounced her a wonderful woman.