"Yes; you like change," said the old lady, with a dignified sarcasm.
"I'm afraid it's a true bill," admitted Sir Jekyl, with a chuckle, "So you'll come to Marlowe and see us there—won't you?"
"No, Jekyl—certainly not," said the old lady, with intense emphasis.
A little pause ensued, during which the Baronet twiddled at his whisker, and continued to smile amusedly at himself in the glass.
"I wonder you could think of asking me to Marlowe, considering all that has happened there. I sometimes wonder at myself that I can endure to see you at all, Jekyl Marlowe; and I don't think, if it were not for that dear girl, who is so like her sainted mother, I should ever set eyes on you again."
"I'm glad we have that link. You make me love Beatrix better," he replied. He was now arranging the elaborate breast-pin with its tiny chain, which was at that date in vogue.
"And so you are going to keep house at Marlowe?" resumed the lady, stiffly, not heeding the sentiment of his little speech.
"Well, so I purpose."
"I don't like that house," said the old lady, with a subdued fierceness.
"Sorry it does not please you, little mother," replied Sir Jekyl.