She particularly affected politicians, and her house in Grosvenor Square was a meeting-place for both parties, provided the members of each were of the most distinguished type.

And there were not more than two or three people out of all her acquaintances, besides Arabella, who smiled a little over her brilliant culture.
By all this it can be seen that Mrs.Cricklander was a wonderful character--tenacious, indomitable, full of nerve and deserving of the greatest respect in consequence.
The only thing the least vulgar about her was her soul--if she had one--and it is not the business of society to look into such things.
Scrutiny of the sort is left for creatures like the Professor, Cheiron, who have nothing else to do--but his impressions upon this subject must come in their proper place.
Meanwhile, John Derringham had joined the party on the terrace, and was joyously acclaimed, and then minutely questioned as to the cause of his lengthy absence.

He had not been to church--that was certain.

He had not been out of the park, because the lodges were not in the direction from which he had been seen advancing.

Where had he been, then?
All alone?
He would not give any account of himself, as was his way, and presently his hostess drew him on ahead and down the terrace steps.