First an early ride in the Park, then the morning shopping; luncheon parties, receptions, dinners, and above all, dances! Spare moments were devoted to "fittings," and hurried visits to girl friends.—These various claims, literally devoured the long summer days.—Nancy was very gay and happy in this new life, a conspicuous figure in her immediate circle! admired in private, stared at in public, and favoured with yet another gift besides beauty, and youth. Wherever she went, she appeared to bring sunshine; and those who knew her, revelled in her endowment. Among her chief partners and cavaliers were, Sir Dudley Villars, Major Cathcart—now enjoying a nice soft staff appointment—Toby Lamerton, Lord Lanark, and various others too numerous to mention.
Soon after her arrival in London, Nancy had reported herself in Queen's Gate, and waited upon her aunt,—unsupported by her good friend, Mrs. De Wolfe. Mrs. Jenkins' little blue eyes opened to their widest extent, when they beheld her niece, no longer a shrinking and humble satellite, but a self-possessed, well-dressed, and independent damsel.
As her envious glance wandered over an elegant toilet, she realized that this "bird of paradise" would be entirely out of place, in her own ordinary "Hen Run." It was evident that the girl had a good maid, and a good conceit of herself; she resolved to secure Nancy for a visit,—which would include at least, two state dinners,—in order that her own friends should have an opportunity of beholding a niece whose success and striking appearance, would add to her own importance.
Mrs. Taylor and Miss Dolling happened to be both in attendance,—the one as faded and sentimental, the other aggressive, and glum—as of old. At the end of twenty minutes' conversation,—chiefly questions and answers,—Miss Dolling rose, and said, "I'll just go and fetch the Pom, I'm sure he'd love to see Nancy."
"And I'm sure he wouldn't recognize her now," said Mrs. Taylor, with significance, and for once Mrs. Taylor happened to be right. The Pom merely sniffed indifferently at Nancy's smart gown, and then rudely retired into his comfortable padded basket.
"And how is the Coffee?" inquired Mrs. Jenkins, in a condescending manner.
"Oh, doing well. One of my old friends has taken over the management; and gold has been found on the estate."
"Gold? well I never!" ejaculated Miss Dolling. "Fancy owning a gold mine!"
"It's a reef, I believe," explained Nancy, "and has been taken over by a company."
"So you're quite a millionaire," remarked her aunt, rather sourly. "And what are your plans for the summer?"