"Sir Oswald is indeed generous," said Lady Hampton; then she looked round the room to see if they were quite alone.
The maid had disappeared.
"Ah, Elinor," remarked Lady Hampton, "you are indeed a fortunate woman; your lines have fallen in pleasant places. You might have looked all England over and not have found such a husband. I am quite sure of one thing—you have everything a woman's heart can desire."
"I make no complaint," said Lady Darrell.
"My dear child, I should imagine not; there are few women in England whose position equals yours."
"I know it," was the calm reply.
"And you may really thank me for it; I certainly worked hard for you, Elinor. I believe that if I had not interfered you would have thrown yourself away on that Captain Langton."
"Captain Langton never gave me the chance, aunt; so we will not discuss the question."
"It was a very good thing for you that he never did," remarked her ladyship. "Mrs. Bretherton was saying to me the other day what a very fortunate girl you were—how few of us have our heart's desire."
"You forget one thing, aunt. Even if I have everything I want, still my heart is empty," said the girl, wearily.