The more Lady Arthur thought of having sent away such a matrimonial prize from her house, the more she was chagrined; the more Miss Garscube tried not to think of Mr. Eildon, the more her thoughts would run upon him; and even Miss Adamson, who had nothing to regret or reproach herself with, could not help being influenced by the change of atmosphere.
Lady Arthur's thoughts issued in the resolution to re-enter society once more; which resolution she imparted to Miss Adamson in the first instance by saying that she meant to go to London next season.
"Then our plan of life here will be quite broken up," said Miss A.
"Yes, for a time."
"I thought you disliked society?"
"I don't much like it: it is on account of Alice I am going. I may just as well tell you: I want to bring her and George together again if possible."
"Will she go if she knows that is your end?"
"She need not know."
"It is not a very dignified course," Miss Adamson said.
"No, and if it were an ordinary case I should not think of it."