She had spoken truly when she had told Olivetta that Europe was old to her and had become merely a social duty.

Of that fatiguing obligation to her position she was glad to be relieved.

The past season, with its struggle with Mrs.Allistair and that Duke de Crecy affair, had been a trying one, and she was tired.

By the present arrangement, which she regarded as nothing short of an inspiration, her social prestige was secure, her financial difficulties were taken care of, and she herself would have the desired opportunity for a sorely needed rest.

She would have her books, she would have the society of Matilda (for Matilda had in the long years grown to be more than a mere servant--she was a companion, a confidant)--her creature comforts would be well seen to by Matilda,--she would have the whole house to roam over at her will during the day, and every night she would have the pleasant relaxation of a drive behind the peerless William.
It seemed to her, as she looked forward to it, the most desirable of vacations.
Her mind was quite at ease concerning Jack.