She had never dreamed that Adrian was the grandson of Lord Dunforth until that moment, and the knowledge brought with it various conflicting emotions.
She gave him one quick, surprised look, and then devoted herself to the entertainment of her distinguished guest.
As she kissed Brownie again at parting, Lady Dunforth put into her hands a large velvet case.
“I do not know what you may have already, dear,” she said, “but I like a bride to wear pearls. Please accept these, with my love.”
Brownie touched the spring, and her lovely face flushed with pleasure as the cover flew back.
Upon their blue velvet cushion there lay a most exquisite and complete set of pearls in the loveliest design—necklace, bracelets, earrings, with a beautiful spray for the hair.
Adrian was very much gratified at this token of remembrance, and added his thanks to his wife’s.
“I do not know how soon we shall return to Dunforth Castle, but I wish you might come to West Malling before very long,” Lady Dunforth said, wistfully, when she went away, but she did not invite them to call upon her while she remained in town. She knew it would not do.
Delicately as she had worded the sentence, Brownie felt it with a sudden pain, and knew that no invitation was conveyed in the words, and her brow grew troubled and her face very grave when they were alone again.
Adrian at once divined the cause, and knew that he must explain his position; he could not keep it from her longer.