Esmeralda only laughed. She thought of the long tramps, the longer rides, over the hills above Three Star, and the idea of being tired amused her.
Although the season was only just beginning, Lady Wyndover, as she leaned forward in her brougham, was recognized by numbers of her acquaintances; and as she bowed and smiled, Esmeralda said:
“You seem to know a great many people.”
“My dear, I know everybody,” said Lady Wyndover, plaintively. “And so will you.”
“Shall I?” said Esmeralda.
“Yes; you don’t understand. You are now my ward. You are the rich Miss Chetwynde, and quite a personage. You are the great catch of this coming season.”
“Catch?” said Esmeralda. “I don’t understand.”
“You will soon, very soon,” said Lady Wyndover.
Esmeralda admired the park, and the promenaders, whom, in frock coats and tall hats, and well-confectioned dresses, they passed by. They made the circuit of the park, called at a fashionable milliner’s, of whom Lady Wyndover ordered a number of hats and bonnets, which astounded Esmeralda, and then drove home.
“We shall dine alone to-night,” said Lady Wyndover. “So you need not dress.”