"You are too old now, Pauline, to be dictated to in such matters," said Miss Hastings; "but if Sir Vane wishes you to go out, there is no reason why you should not oblige him."
Lady St. Lawrence laid her hand on the beautiful head.
"My son has few pleasures," she said; "give him this one."
Pauline complied. Time had been when anything like a command had instantly raised a spirit of rebellion within her; but in this clearer light that had fallen upon her she saw things so differently; it was as though her soul had eyes and they were just opened.
She rose and put on the pretty, plumed hat which Miss Hastings brought for her; she drew an Indian shawl over her shoulders. She never once looked at Sir Vane.
"Your goodness is not only an act of charity," he said, "but it is also a case in which virtue will be its own reward. You have no notion how beautifully the sun is shining on the sea."
So they went out together, and Lady St. Lawrence looked after them with a sigh.
"She is a most beautiful girl, certainly, and I admire her. If she only had Lillith Davenant's money!"
Sir Vane and Pauline walked in silence down to the shore, and then the former turned to his companion.
"Miss Darrell," he said, "will you tell me why you were not willing to come out with me—why you have avoided me and turned the light of your beautiful face from me?"