Greville kissed his little boy, who clung fondly to him; but the bride gave the latter her gloved hand coldly, and scanned him through her glass, while he eyed her with mistrust and wonder, and with a strange shrinking, for somehow her eye chilled him, and thus, at the very home-coming there was a petty contretemps.
"Kiss him, Anne dearest," said Greville; "go and be kissed by your mamma, Derval."
"She is not my mamma," said the child recoiling.
"Go and be kissed by her instantly, sir!"
"I won't, Papa."
"Then leave the room, sir!"
"He gives me a cold reception, certainly," said Mrs. Hampton, her golden-coloured eyes sparkling dangerously under their rather white lashes, as she threw off some of her travelling wraps and appeared to Patty's wondering eyes in a rich and handsome dress, that accorded well with the stately character of her beauty; and Derval slunk away, doubtful and fearing, whether he had done right or wrong; but then, what did papa mean by calling this strange woman his mamma?
"His presence shall not annoy you, Anne."
"But, until he gets accustomed to me, Greville?"
"I shall compel him to stay in his own room, or in the kitchen with Patty, till he knows how to treat you."