Only, if she
imagined herself to have caught him--such an old and hardened
stager!--in a week--her abilities are less than I supposed."
"Alicia's self-conceit was always her weak point."
But as she spoke the force imparted by resentment died away. Lady Lucy
sank back in her chair.
"And Oliver felt it very much?" asked Sir James, after a pause, his
shrewd eyes upon her.
"He was wounded, of course--he has been more depressed since; but I have
never believed that he was in love with her."
Sir James did not pursue the subject, but the vivacity of the glance
bent now on the fire, now on his companion, betrayed the marching
thoughts behind.
"Will Oliver see me this evening?" he inquired, presently.
"I hope so. He promised me to make the effort."
A servant knocked at the door. It was Oliver's valet.
"Please, my lady, Mr. Marsham wished me to say he was afraid he would
not be strong enough to see Sir James Chide to-night. He is very
sorry--and would Sir James be kind enough to come and see him after
breakfast to-morrow?"
Lady Lucy threw up her hands in a little gesture of despair, Then she
rose, and went to speak to the servant in the doorway.
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