"She is too haughty and of too high a temper to forgive easily that a man should seem to desert her for another woman's favour.

Even when 'twas whispered that she favoured him, she was disdainful, and sometimes flouted him bitterly, as was her way with all men.

She was never gentle, and had always a cutting wit.

She will use him hardly before she relents; but if he sues patiently enough with such grace as he uses with other women, love will conquer her at last, for 'twas her first." She showed him no great favour, it was true; and yet it seemed she granted him more privilege than she had done during her lord's life, for he was persistent in his following her, and would come to her house whether of her will or of his own.

Sometimes he came there when the Duke of Osmonde was with her--this happened more than once--and then her ladyship's face, which was ever warmly beautiful when Osmonde was near, would curiously change.