Clyne had no other desire than to see his beloved Lydia happy, and would willingly have sacrificed everything in his power to gain such an end; but as he did not like Ferruci himself, and saw that Lydia's affections towards him had cooled greatly, he did not encourage the idea of a match between them.
However, these matters were yet in abeyance, as Lydia was too diplomatic to break off with so subtle a man as the Count, who might prove a dangerous enemy were his love turned to hate, and Mr.Clyne was quite willing to remain on friendly terms with the man so long as Lydia chose that such friendship should exist.

In short, Lydia ruled her simple father with a rod of iron, and coaxed Ferruci--a more difficult man to deal with--into good humour; so she managed both of them skilfully in every way, and contrived to keep things smooth, pending her plunge into London society.

For all her childish looks, Lydia was uncommonly clever.
When Lucian's card was brought in, Mrs.Vrain proved to be at home, and as his good looks had made a deep impression on her, she received him at once.

He was shown into a luxuriously furnished drawing-room without delay, and welcomed by pretty Mrs.Vrain herself, who came forward with a bright smile and outstretched hands, looking more charming than ever.
"Well, I do call this real sweet of you," said she gaily.

"I guess it is about time you showed up.