Nevertheless, she was thankful for the consideration displayed in so profuse and munificent a manner by the earl, who seemed so solicitous for her welfare and happiness.
Indeed, to say the truth, she seemed to be his idol.
He proposed introducing her into fashionable and aristocratic circles, but before doing this he was impressed with the necessity of placing her under the care of some experienced lady, who would induct her into the usages of what is termed good society.
At present she was natural and unsophisticated. These qualities, excellent as they were in themselves, were of no great value to one who was destined to mix with the upper classes.
No one knew this better than Lord Ethalwood, for, as we have already observed, he was a close observer of human nature.
He therefore looked about for an instructor and companion for his well-beloved grand-daughter, and he succeeded in finding the very person of all others he most desired.
Lady Marvlynn, relic of Sir Eric Marvlynn, was a lady most admirably adapted for the purpose. She knew everybody “who was worth knowing,” to use her own words, had the history and genealogy of every titled family by heart, was good-natured, loquacious, courtly, and a gossip; and the earl felt assured that she would take a pleasure in preparing his grand-daughter for the new sphere of action in which she was destined to move.
Her ladyship consented to educate the beautiful girl so as to fit her for her new position.
“She will never be accomplished,” said Lord Ethalwood. “That we cannot help. It would be useless to attempt to teach her French and German; but she knows something of music, can play tolerably well, and sings very sweetly. As for other accomplishments we must dispense with them. Teach her to take her place gracefully as mistress of my house; teach her all the little details of etiquette that every lady ought to know, and she will be no discredit either to me or her tutor—at least, I hope not.”
“She’s a charming girl—a loveable creature; so unsophisticated—so ingenuous; so much warmth of temperament—so much refinement. I am most delighted to take her under my charge, my lord; most flattered that you should have entrusted me with the pleasing task.”