The footmen are tall, and not too young, and even at this time of the year
have powdered hair.
Lady Merrenden was up-stairs in the small drawing-room, and she rose to
meet me, a book in her hand, when I was announced.
Her manners are so beautiful in her own home--gracious, and not the least
patronizing.
"I am so glad to see you," she said. "I hope you won't be bored, but I
have not asked any one to meet you, only my nephew Torquilstone is
coming. He is a great sufferer, poor fellow, and numbers of faces worry
him at times----"
I said I was delighted to see her alone. No look more kind could be
expressed in a human countenance than is expressed in hers. She has the
same exceptional appearance of breeding that Lord Robert has--tiny ears
and wrists and head; even dressed as a char-woman Lady Merrenden would
look like a great lady.
Very soon we were talking without the least restraint. She did not speak
of people or of very deep things, but it gave one the impression of an
elevated mind and a knowledge of books, and wide thoughts. Oh, I could
love her so easily.
We had been talking for nearly a quarter of an hour. She had incidentally
asked me where I was staying now, and had not seemed surprised or shocked
when I said Claridge's, and by myself.
All she said was: "What a lonely little girl! But I dare say it is very
restful sometimes to be by one's self, only you must let your friends come
and see you, won't you?"
"I don't think I have any friends," I said.
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