"I suppose you will be glad if your sister marries again?"
"Of course, I shall be glad for her to do whatever is for her happiness; but marrying again, Lady Lyons, does it not seem a little hard that she should have so many chances and I ... have none?"
"My dear, if I am not very much mistaken, Sir Albert Gerald is very much in love."
"Yes, I think he is very much in love," Grace answered indifferently.
"Then let us hope it will all come right."
"I hope it will," and before Lady Lyons could go on with her investigations a servant came to ask if Grace would see Mr. Stevens.
"Certainly." Grace was enchanted to see any one; and Lady Lyons, who did not care for Mr. Stevens, carefully gathered her patchwork together and left the room.
"Well, Mr. Stevens, you see me on the very verge of departure," exclaimed Grace; "I am really going far from this gay and festive scene, and intend recruiting my shattered nerves in Highland air."
Mr. Stevens looked at her gravely. He was deeply shocked by her appearance. She looked so fragile, and her lips were so absolutely without colour.
"I hope the Highland air will set you up," he said; "you look as if you have not had sleep for an indefinite time."