A greater contrast to Mrs.Vrain than her stepdaughter can scarcely be imagined: the one was a frivolous, volatile fairy, the other a dignified and reserved woman.

She also was arrayed in black garments, but these were made in the plainest manner, and showed none of the coquetry of woe such as had characterised Mrs.Vrain's elaborate costume.

The look of sorrow on the face of Diana was in keeping with her mourning apparel, and she welcomed Lucian with a subdued courtesy which prepossessed him greatly in her favour.
Quick in his likes and dislikes, the young man was as drawn towards this beautiful, sad woman as formerly he had been repulsed by the feigned grief and ensnaring glances of silly Mrs.Vrain.
"I am much obliged to you for calling, Mr.Denzil," said Miss Vrain in a deep voice, rather melancholy in its tone.

"No doubt you wondered how I obtained your address." "It did strike me as peculiar, I confess," said Lucian, taking a chair to which she pointed, "but on considering the matter I fancied that Mrs.
Vrain had----" "Mrs.Vrain!" echoed Diana in a tone of contempt.

"No! I have not seen Mrs.Vrain since I returned, a week ago, to London.