Lucia found her dressed and discussing some household affair with Claudine.
"Only think, mamma," she began.

"Lady Dighton came over yesterday and is coming to see you to-day." But the news was no surprise to Mrs.Costello, who had received a hint from Maurice that he wished to see his cousin and Lucia friends, before he ventured on that decisive question to which they all, except Lucia, were looking forward so anxiously.

But she was keenly alive to the desire that her child should make a favourable impression on this lady, who had evidently some influence with Maurice, and who, if the wished-for marriage took place, would become Lucia's near relative and neighbour.

She said nothing at all about this, however, and was perfectly content that the young people should take one of those long walks which brought such a lovely colour into her daughter's pale cheeks, and so gave the last perfecting touch to her beauty.
Maurice left Lucia at the door, and went back to the hotel where he had promised Lady Dighton to lunch with her.

She was waiting for him, looking more than usually fair and pretty in the mourning she wore for her grandfather.