IN THE HANDS OF A CLEVER WOMAN.
"In Rome," said Lady Marion Erskine, to her cousin; "how strange it seems to be really here! Do you know that when I was a little girl and learned Roman history I always thought it a grand fable. I never believed such a place really existed. Rome is a link between the old world and the new."
"Yes," replied Lady Cambrey, "it is quite true, my dear."
She had no notion, even ever so vague, of what her beautiful young kinswoman meant.
Lady Cambrey was not given to the cultivation of ideas, but she was always most amiably disposed to please Lady Marion. It was something very delightful to be the chaperon of a beautiful young heiress like Lady Erskine, and she was always delighted to agree with Lady Marion's words, opinions, and ideas.
Lady Marion was submissive and gentle by nature. She was one of the class of women born to be ruled and not to rule. She could never govern, but she could obey. She could not command, but she could carry out the wishes of others to the last letter.
Lady Cambrey, from motives of her own, wanted her to go to Rome. She had managed it without the least trouble.
"Marion," she said, "have you decided where to spend the winter?"
"No," was the quiet reply, "I have not thought much about it, Aunt Jane; have you?"
The words were so sweetly and placidly spoken.