"
* * * * *
The evening passed off better than the morning had done. Eyes more acute
in her own interests than Diana's might have perceived a change in Fanny
Merton, after her long conversation with Mrs. Colwood. A certain
excitement, a certain triumph, perhaps an occasional relenting and
compunction: all these might have been observed or guessed. She made
herself quite amiable: showed more photographs, talked still more
frankly of her card-winnings on the steamer, and of the flirtation which
had beguiled the voyage; bespoke the immediate services of Diana's maid
for a dress that must be done up; and expressed a desire for another and
a bigger wardrobe in her room. Gradually a tone of possession, almost of
command, crept in. Diana, astonished and amused, made no resistance.
These, she supposed, were West-Indian manners. The Colonies are like
healthy children that submit in their youth, and then grow up and order
the household about. What matter!
Meanwhile Mrs. Colwood looked a little pale, and confessed to a
headache. Diana was pleased, however, to see that she and Fanny were
getting on better than had seemed to be probable in the morning.
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