But Lady Macleod is your nearest relative,--on your mother's side, I mean,--and she has done her duty by you well." "Indeed she has, Lady Midlothian." "She has, and others, therefore, have been the less called upon to interfere.

I only say this, my dear, in my own vindication,--feeling, perhaps, that my conduct needs some excuse." "I'm sure Alice does not think that," said Lady Glencora.
"It is what I think rather than what Alice thinks that concerns my own shortcomings," said Lady Midlothian, with a smile which was intended to be pleasant.

"But I have wished to make up for former lost opportunities." Alice knew that she was about to refer to her letter, and trembled.

"I am very anxious now to be reckoned one of Alice Vavasor's friends, if she will allow me to become so." "I can only be too proud,--if--" "If what, my dear ?" said the old lady.

I believe that she meant to be gracious, but there was something in her manner, or, perhaps, rather in her voice, so repellant, that Alice felt that they could hardly become true friends.