A rolling stone

BY THE SAME AUTHOR
DIANA BARRINGTON A BIRD OF PASSAGE BEYOND THE PALE HER OWN PEOPLE THE CAT’S-PAW THE COMPANY’S SERVANT KATHERINE THE ARROGANT BABES IN THE WOOD, ETC.
A ROLLING STONE
BY B. M. CROKER
“L’amour est un vrai recommenceur.”—Bussy-Rabutin
LONDON F. V. WHITE & CO. LTD. 17 BUCKINGHAM STREET, STRAND, W.C. 1911
A ROLLING STONE
A ROLLING STONE
After a day of strenuous social activities, Lady Kesters was enjoying a well-earned rest, reposing at full length on a luxurious Chesterfield, with cushions of old brocade piled at her back and a new French novel in her hand. Nevertheless, her attention wandered from Anatole France; every few minutes she raised her head to listen intently, then, as a little silver clock chimed five thin strokes, she rose, went over to a window, and, with an impatient jerk, pulled aside the blind. She was looking down into Mount Street, W., and endeavouring to penetrate the gloom of a raw evening towards the end of March.
It was evident that the lady was expecting some one, for there were two cups and saucers on a well-equipped tea-table, placed between the sofa and a cheerful log fire.
As the mistress of the house peers eagerly at passers-by, we may avail ourselves of the opportunity to examine her surroundings. There is an agreeable feeling of ample space, softly shaded lights, and rich but subdued colours. The polished floor is strewn with ancient rugs; bookcases and rare cabinets exhibit costly contents; flowers are in profusion; the air is heavily scented with white lilac; and a multitude of magazines and papers lie scattered about in careless abundance. The Hibbert Journal , the Clarion , Le Revue des deux mondes , and the Spectator indicate a Catholic taste; but we look in vain for a piano, a pet dog, or a workbasket.
As Lady Kesters turns from the window, it is seen that she is tall and slim, with dark, expressive eyes, a delicate, tip-tilted nose, and remarkably square chin; her figure, which is faultless, shows to admirable advantage in a simple gown of clinging black material.