“Lady Charlotte,” said she, “may I introduce Lord Cheriton, an old schoolfellow of my husband’s? Miss Champneys—Lord Cheriton. Miss Laetitia Champneys—Lord Cheriton. May I also introduce Miss Burden and Miss Perry? Lady Charlotte Greg—Miss Champneys, Miss Laetitia Champneys.”
During the bowings and the counter bowings that ensued, Jim Lascelles seized the opportunity to say to his mother—
“You gave the dark horse away too soon, señora. There might have been fun.”
“If you wish to succeed in life, my son,” his mother admonished him, “never treat the peerage flippantly.”
“I should like to go to-morrow to the sale of work,” said Miss Perry.
“You shall, my dear Miss Goose,” said Cheriton, “because I feel sure that your papa would like you to, provided that we have Lady Charlotte’s assurance that there will be no harangue from Parson Coxby’s daughter.”
“Lady Plunket does not appear until Friday,” said Lady Charlotte, by no means ungraciously, “and I only intend to say a few words myself.”
The Miss Champneys were not overawed by Lord Cheriton because they were gentlewomen born, but neither they nor the wife of the Bishop of Marchester had quite so much condescension as when they entered the little Balham sitting-room. It is trivial to dwell on these things. Self-respecting people really don’t notice them—at least, they make it a point of honor to appear not to do so. But there are cynics in the world who like to lay stress upon them. Not the wife of the Bishop of Marchester alone, but the Miss Champneys also began to thaw perceptibly. And presently, for the first occasion during their intercourse, Miss Laetitia went the length of addressing Jim’s mother as “dear Mrs. Lascelles.”
It was a really great afternoon for Jim’s mother. The Miss Champneys had never exhibited themselves in such an agreeable light. Lady Charlotte Greg also softened the first impression she had created, and contrived to be quite agreeable too. It was Miss Burden who asked of malice prepense whether they had seen Mr. Lascelles’ picture at the Royal Academy. They had not, these ladies assured Miss Burden, but they would make a point of going specially to Burlington House to do so. It was Lord Cheriton, with a very direct look at Jim’s mother, who mentioned Mr. Lascelles’ undoubted genius.
“Of course,” said Miss Laetitia, “Mr. Lascelles must have genius if he exhibits at the Royal Academy.”