She was imperious and willful, generous to a fault, impatient of all control; but her greatest fault, Mrs.Vyvian said, was a constant craving for excitement; a distaste for and dislike of quiet and retirement.

She would ride the most restive horse, she would do anything to break the ennui and monotony of the long days.
Beautiful, daring, and restless, every day running a hundred risks, and loved the better for the dangers she ran, Beatrice was almost worshiped at the Elms.

Nothing ever daunted her, nothing ever made her dull or sad.

Lillian was gentle and quiet, with more depth of character, but little power of showing it; somewhat timid and diffident--a more charming ideal of an English girl could not have been found--spirituelle, graceful, and refined; so serene and fair that to look at her was a pleasure.
Lady Earle often visited the Elms; no mystery had been made to the girls--they were told their father was abroad and would not return for many years, and that at some distant day they might perhaps live with him in his own home.

They did not ask many questions, satisfied to believe what was told them, not seeking to know more.
Lady Earle loved the young girls very dearly.