Without contesting your niece's social position--and without the slightest intention of insulting you--I repeat that the rank which Mr.Hardyman inherits makes it simply impossible for him even to think of marrying Isabel.

You will do well not to give him any opportunities of meeting with her alone.

And you will do better still (seeing that he is so near a neighbor of yours) if you permit Isabel to return to my protection, for a time at least.

I will wait to hear from you when you have thought the matter over at your leisure.
In the mean time, if I have inadvertently offended you, I ask your pardon--and I wish you good-evening." She bowed, and walked to the door.

Miss Pink, as resolute as ever in maintaining her pretensions, made an effort to match the great lady on her own ground.
"Before you go, Lady Lydiard, I beg to apologize if I have spoken too warmly on my side," she said.