'Well, indeed; she was the queen of our regiment and the belle of every town where it was quartered. I can say so now, when I am old and widowed.'
'Ellinor is thought very like her.'
'Who is Ellinor?'
'My only sister.'
'If so, she must be very handsome. And are there only you two left in the world?'
'Yes,' replied Mary; and little by little Mrs. Deroubigne, with growing commiseration, elicited from her some information about herself and sister—their plans and hopes in coming to London; and on hearing them she muttered something about her own 'two little girls,' as if comparingly, and shook her head sorrowfully.
Mrs. Deroubigne was evidently a very charming woman, who had seen much of the world, and as a friend and companion was clever and delightful. After a little pause, she said, suddenly,
'Of course you know your cousin, Captain Wellwood, of the Scots Guards?'
'Only by name, and an unfortunate reputation.'
'Oh, I forgot—there was a family quarrel. He is one of my dearest friends—Leslie Wellwood Colville, as he calls himself now.'