Lady Ernestine's simple, unaffected kindliness soon made both Juliet and Mrs. Tracy feel completely at ease with her. Mrs. Staines and Mrs. Owen, with their respective husbands, were amongst the guests, and these ladies were much impressed when they saw how Juliet was welcomed by Lady Ernestine and the lady of whom their hostess spoke as "my friend Miss Mainprice," and to hear whose account of her work in Paris she had gathered them together that afternoon.
It was a perfect day for an outdoor gathering. The grounds of the Priory were very beautiful. Grand old trees afforded ample shade, green glades stretched between, where glimpses of shy deer could occasionally be caught, and from every point of view the antique dwelling, once the home of a religious brotherhood, presented a fine picture.
Juliet enjoyed the hours spent there more than she could have believed possible, as she anticipated them with nervous dread. Accompanied by Mr. Mainprice, who was well acquainted with every feature of the place, she thoroughly explored the grounds. The quiet talk she had with him as they walked about was not to Juliet the least valued incident of the afternoon, nor would he perhaps willingly have missed it.
Later, as the company sat on the lawn in the shade of a line of beeches, Miss Mainprice told them in simple, pointed words the history of the home in Paris and the work of which it was the centre. Her words touched Juliet deeply, moving her to a new discontent with her life, and a deeper longing for a wider life of action, which should afford a more complete escape from self.
Juliet had little imagined that it would be her lot to contribute to the entertainment of the company. It was a wonder and amazement to her afterwards to think of it; but when Lady Ernestine in her gentle, persuasive manner begged her to sing to them, she found it impossible to refuse. The piano stood just within the open French window of the drawing-room. The company were grouped partly within the room and partly on the steps and lawn outside. Miss Mainprice played the accompaniment as Juliet in her clear, sweet voice sang Miss Proctor's beautiful song known as "Cleansing Fires."
A great stillness succeeded her singing. It had so taken her audience by surprise that they were not ready to applaud when she ended. But the applause which followed in a few seconds was very hearty. For Mrs. Tracy this was the crowning pleasure of the afternoon. Her heart swelled with pride, as she heard from all around her enthusiastic admiration of her daughter's "lovely voice" and "exquisite singing." But Juliet slipped quickly out of sight. She did not want to hear what people were saying about her singing. Their compliments would have for her a bitter flavour. She was glad it was time to go home.
Mr. Mainprice and his sister were persuaded by Lady Ernestine to prolong their visit, and Mrs. Tracy and Juliet saw a good deal of them during the time that they were staying at the Priory. They went from there to take a brief holiday in Wales; but Mr. Mainprice came again to pass a few days at the Priory ere returning to his northern parish. Lady Ernestine thought she knew the attraction which made him so readily accept her invitation to come again.
On a lovely September evening, Juliet was walking alone along the shore. She and her mother had returned on the previous day from a brief visit to Leeds, and Mrs. Tracy had not yet recovered from the fatigue of the journey, though it was not long.
Juliet was glad to be at home; but it was not with unalloyed satisfaction that she looked forward to passing the winter at St. Anne's. There was no hint of winter in the air yet. It had been a perfect day, and the evening was as perfect. Juliet was disposed to linger on the quiet sands. More than once she stood still to listen to the soft swell of the waves as they broke on the shore, and to gaze at the shimmering golden track with which the sinking sun was marking the sea.
She had stood thus for some minutes lost in thought as she gazed, when, turning with her eyes dazzled by the yellow light, she dimly perceived a dark figure coming towards her. It came nearer, and she heard a voice she had little expected to hear again so soon; for she did not know that Mr. Mainprice had returned to the neighbourhood. She was startled, and the colour flew into her face. He saw that she was greatly moved, but the signs of agitation were such as he rejoiced to see.