Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 6, 2025
"Millicent will be in presently," she said; "she is out riding." She did not think it necessary to add that her niece was riding with a very youthful officer in the Guards. Lady Cantourne never made mischief from a sense of duty, or any mistaken motive of that sort.
"And what do you intend to do with yourself?" asked Lady Cantourne when she had poured out tea. "You surely do not intend to mope in that dismal house in Russell Square?" "No, I shall let it if I can." "Oh, you will have no difficulty in doing that. People live in Russell Square again now, and try to make one believe that it is a fashionable quarter.
The flowers were set out with that masculine ignorance of such matters which brings a smile not wholly of mirth to a woman's face. The little-used drawing-room was brought under the notice of the housekeeper for that woman's touch which makes a drawing-room what it is. It was always ready this room, though Sir John never sat in it. But for Lady Cantourne it was always more than ready.
Society itself an association is the slave of a word, and society had acquired the habit of coupling the names of Sir John Meredith and Lady Cantourne. They belonged to the same generation; they had similar tastes; they were both of some considerable power in the world of leisured pleasure; and, lastly, they amused each other. The result is not far to seek.
Circumstances alter us less than we think. If we are of a gay temperament gay we shall be through all. If sombre, no happiness can drive that sombreness away. Lady Cantourne was meant for happiness and a joyous motherhood. She had had neither; but she went on being "meant" until the end that is to say, she was still cheery and capable.
Lady Cantourne was sitting alone in her drawing-room, and the expression of her usually bright and smiling face betokened considerable perturbation. Truth to tell, there were not many things in life that had power to frighten her ladyship very much. Hers had been a prosperous life as prosperity is reckoned.
You will see my niece Millicent. She is engaged to be married to Jack Meredith, you know. That is why they quarrelled the father and son. You will find a little difficulty with her too. She is a difficult girl. But I dare say you will manage to tell her what she wants to know." "Yes," said Jocelyn quietly almost too quietly, "I shall manage." Lady Cantourne rose, and so did Jocelyn.
He would give worlds to hear some news of Jack; but he won't ask it, you know." "Yes," said Jocelyn, "I understand." She saw what was coming, and she desired it intensely, while still feeling afraid as if they were walking on some sacred ground and might at any moment make a false step. "I should like Sir John to meet you," said Lady Cantourne pleasantly. "Will you come to tea some afternoon?
"Even old birds, my dear young lady, may sometimes be alarmed by a scarecrow." "I missed you quite early in the evening," put in Lady Cantourne, sternly refusing to laugh. She had not had an opportunity of seeing him since her conversation with Jocelyn, and the dangers of the situation were fully appreciated by such an experienced woman of the world.
Perhaps she reflected that the generation to which they belonged is not one heavily handicapped by too subtle a delicacy of feeling. Jack Meredith gave her the lead before long. "Millicent," he said, without a vestige of embarrassment, "has consented to be openly engaged now." Lady Cantourne nodded comprehensively. "I think she is very wise," she said. There was a little pause.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking