Eyes more acute in her own interests than Diana's might have perceived a change in Fanny Merton, after her long conversation with Mrs.Colwood.A certain excitement, a certain triumph, perhaps an occasional relenting and compunction: all these might have been observed or guessed.

She made herself quite amiable: showed more photographs, talked still more frankly of her card-winnings on the steamer, and of the flirtation which had beguiled the voyage; bespoke the immediate services of Diana's maid for a dress that must be done up; and expressed a desire for another and a bigger wardrobe in her room.

Gradually a tone of possession, almost of command, crept in.

Diana, astonished and amused, made no resistance.
These, she supposed, were West-Indian manners.

The Colonies are like healthy children that submit in their youth, and then grow up and order the household about.