Christobelle entered the carriage, and Sir John Spottiswoode followed; but he seated himself by Lady Wetheral's side. Captain Ponsonby waved his hand, and stood in the rain, till the trees concealed him from sight.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Lady Wetheral spoke of the morning's entertainment with perfect approbation, as they drove home. "Every thing was so agreeably arranged—every body was so inclined to be amused, which constituted the charm of a party al fresco. Lord Farnborough, perhaps, was less disposed to consider himself at ease than the rest of the group; but circumstances did go a little 'à tort et à travers' with poor Lord Farnborough. Some people were in the wrong place, assuredly, which might create a little uneasiness; but, considering the difficulty of selecting and arranging a large morning party, it had been admirably conducted. There was a little too much vivacity in Captain Ponsonby's manner: he was rather too empressé—but Lord Farnborough displayed the man of fashion in every movement." Christobelle did not argue against her mother's opinions, and Sir John Spottiswoode sat, determined to be silent.
"Lord Farnborough," continued Lady Wetheral, "tells me he intends wandering round Lochleven some weeks longer."
"At Clanmoray?" asked Christobelle.
"No, my love, he thinks of building at Kinross." Christobelle sank back into her former position, quite indifferent to the whereabout of Lord Farnborough. Her ladyship resumed:—"Sir John, what a lovely creature is Fanny Ponsonby! I think I never beheld more beautiful eyes!"
"Miss Ponsonby is a beautiful woman!" replied Sir John Spottiswoode.
"I mean Fanny Ponsonby, the lady you monopolized, my dear Spottiswoode."