"I do not think so!" was Amabel's reply. "If I read her aright, she is one of those natures who take all kindness for timidity and behave themselves accordingly. At all events, it will be time to give way when I am obliged to."
Lady Leighton arrived in good season with a train of servants and attendants of all sorts, and was received with a great deal of form. I did not see the meeting, but Amabel told me afterward that Lady Leighton had been very affectionate to her, saying that she had no doubt Amabel would show herself a dutiful and obedient child to the mother Sir Julius had given her.
"Mother indeed!" said I. "It is a profanation to apply the word to her.”
"Hush dear!" returned Amabel. "Remember she is my father's wife and we must treat her with the respect due to her position."
"And you, Amabel!"
"I curtsied and said I hoped I should always remember my duty. I could not say more."
"What did your father say?"
"Sir Julius has not come!" was the reply. "It seems business has detained him in London for the present. Lady Leighton tells me that she is expecting a house full of company next week."
There is a certain class of beings who are said to appear when spoken of. I would not say that Lady Leighton belonged to this class, however well qualified she might be to adorn it, but it is certain that she came in at the moment we were speaking of her.
"What is that about Lady Leighton!" said she.