"Of course, there is the money." The Countess raised her brows; she thought the remark not quite genteel.
"And Marius can have his romance unspoiled, his commission, and his happy future," continued Miss Chressham. "But what is before Rose?"
"Oh, my dear, I am no prophetess! I suppose Rose can manage his own affairs. He can certainly manage his own wife; he is so different from Marius." Then she gave the younger woman a sudden pleading look. "Do you think I am vastly selfish in being glad of Rose's marriage, and what it has meant to Marius?"
Susannah stooped and kissed her. She could not say anything, nor was it necessary. The Countess brightened at once under the caress.
"Did you see her dress?" cried Lady Lyndwood mischievously, with the pleasure even a good-natured coquette feels in seeing another woman make the least of herself. "La! She will never start a fashion! Which reminds me, I wonder if Rose brought those satins I asked of him!"
Miss Chressham roused herself from depths of different thoughts.
"Let us go after him, Aunt Agatha. I think he will be in the withdrawing-room."