His
astonishment was great, and perhaps in the depths of his mind there
emerged the half-amused perception of a feminine softness and tolerance
which masculine judgment must correct. She did not know how precious she
was; and that it must not be made too easy for the common world to
approach her. All that was picturesque and important, of course, in the
lower classes; labor men, Socialists, and the like. But not vulgar
half-baked fellows, who meant nothing politically, and must yet be
treated like gentlemen. Ah! There were the Roughsedges--the Captain not
gone yet?--Sir James and Mrs. Colwood--nice little creature, that
companion--they would find some use for her in the future. And on the
lower terrace, Alicia Drake, and--that girl? He laughed, amusing himself
with the thought of Alicia's plight. Alicia, the arrogant, the
fastidious! The odd thing was that she seemed to be absorbed in the
conversation that was going on. He saw her pause at the end of the
terrace, look round her, and deliberately lead the way down a long grass
path, away from the rest of the party. Was the cousin good company,
after all?
Diana returned. A broad black hat, and sables which had been her
father's last gift to her, provided the slight change in surroundings
which pleases the eye and sense of a lover.
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