"But we are both agreed, I am sure, in feeling the sincerest interest in Isabel's welfare.

I beg to suggest to you, Miss Pink, that Mr.Hardyman, as a near neighbor of yours, is a very undesirable neighbor while Isabel remains in your house." Saying those words, under a strong conviction of the serious importance of the subject, Lady Lydiard insensibly recovered the manner and resumed the language which befitted a lady of her rank.

Miss Pink, noticing the change, set it down to an expression of pride on the part of her visitor which, in referring to Isabel, assailed indirectly the social position of Isabel's aunt.
"I fail entirely to understand what your Ladyship means," she said coldly.
Lady Lydiard, on her side, looked in undisguised amazement at Miss Pink.
"Haven't I told you already that Mr.Hardyman admires your niece ?" she asked.
"Naturally," said Miss Pink.

"Isabel inherits her lamented mother's personal advantages.

If Mr.Hardyman admires her, Mr.Hardyman shows his good taste." Lady Lydiard's eyes opened wider and wider in wonder.