‘Pleasant to see you established here, if you find the place agreeable,’ he said.

She was kissing her hand to her brother, all her eyes for him—or for the couple; and they were hidden by the park lodge before she replied: ‘It is an admired, beautiful place.’

‘I came,’ said he, ‘to have your assurance that it suits you.’

‘I thank you, my lord.’

‘“My lord” would like a short rest, Carinthia.’

She seemed placidly acquiescing. ‘You have seen the boy?’

‘Twice to-day. We were having a conversation just now.’

‘We think him very intelligent.’

‘Lady Arpington tells me you do the honours here excellently.’

‘She is good to me.’