"Though not fatal, it is always painful; but you really must perform it on this occasion--for Miss Grant's sake, to say nothing of mine." As the jingle drove on, Derrick and Celia stood watching it in silence.
She had seen the sudden change in Lady Gridborough's manner at sight of Derrick; the old lady's agitation had been too obvious, the cut had been too direct, to be mistaken.

Celia's heart ached for her lover, and she could not bring herself to look up at him; but her hand stole into his and grasped it with loving pity and sympathy.
"You see!" said Derrick, with a touch of bitterness.

"The man you are going to marry is an outcast and pariah, Celia.

That old lady was once a friend.

I was fond of her, am fond of her still, and she, I think, was fond of me; but you see how she regards me now.