Judith started. "So that was where he was! To be pure, I could not see him at any of the tables, but there was such a crowd I might easily miss him. I make no doubt he had a much more agreeable time of it with you. "
"We had a very cosy party," replied Miss Devenish, "if only my aunt had not found the heat so oppressive!
Colonel Audley has such pleasant, open manners that makes one feel one has known him all one's life."
Lady Worth agreed to it, and had the satisfaction, during their drive home, of hearing Colonel Audley comment favourably on Miss Devenish. "A very charming, unaffected girl," he said.
"I am glad you were able to be of service to her."
"Pinning up her lace? No very great matter," replied the Colonel.
"I understood she had a disagreeable adventure: some young man (she would not tell me his name) was ungentlemanly enough to force his attentions upon her, surely?"
"Oh, I had nothing to do with that!" said the Colonel. "He was probably in his cups, and meant no serious harm."
"She is unfortunately situated in having an aunt too indolent to chaperon her as she should, and an uncle whose birth and manners cannot add to her consequence. The fact of her being an heiress makes her very generally sought after!
"An enviable position!" said the Colonel.