And again she glanced at the portrait.
Fishpingle replied formally:
“It may be so, my lady.”
“It is so. Have you seen Master Lionel?”
“Last night, my lady. I delivered Sir Geoffrey’s message. I would not hurt you or distress you for the world——”
“Do you think I don’t know that?”
“Master Lionel means to marry Miss Joyce.”
“Ah!” Their eyes met; she smiled faintly. “I seek his happiness.”
“The happiness you have always sought for others, my lady, is reflected on your face now.”
She said tranquilly: “And on yours, my old friend.”