Miss Gwynne was more successful at her end of the table, but she rather annoyed some of her guests by being too much bent on bringing out her friend Netta, and playing her off against Miss Nugent.
She was, however, very polite to all, and, for so young a woman, made a very agreeable and fascinating hostess.

So, apparently, thought all the gentlemen, as they principally addressed their conversation to her, and had manoeuvred, particularly the young ones, to sit as near her as possible.

The Rev Jonathan Prothero had the place of honour at her right, and did not take up much of her time.

He appeared to be deep in the speculation concerning the ancient castle of which we have already heard, and was learnedly descanting upon it to Mrs Rice Rice, a lady on his other side.

The said Mrs Rice Rice, having _un oeil aux champs, et l'autre a la ville,_ was ostensibly listening to him, whilst she was really attending to her son, who was making visible efforts on the heart of the heiress, Miss Gwynne.
The Rice Rices were people of family and fortune, living in the neighbouring town.