While he presented her to the countess and his sister, the priest retired to the further end of the room.
Both ladies were very much struck by Mrs. Scarisbrick's beauty and liveliness. She did not seem more than five-and-twenty. She was a blonde, with very fine eyes and pretty features, and had a graceful figure, set off by a charming dress.
She appeared exceedingly good-natured, and was certainly very desirous to please. Indeed her manner was so engaging that both ladies were delighted with her. The only thing that surprised Lady Derwentwater was that she could tolerate such a man as Forster.
“I hope your lordship and Miss Forster will like Preston,” she said after her presentation to them by the general. “We will do our best to amuse you. In spite of war's alarms, a good deal is going on. To-night there will be a grand ball at the town-hall. I have no doubt it will be a very gay affair. All the officers will be present.”
“And some of the loveliest women you ever beheld,” said the general. “I never knew what beauty was till I came to Preston.”
“Don't mind what the general says,” observed Mrs. Scarisbrick. “He thinks too much of us.”
“I can't think too much of you,” sighed Forster.
“Ah! you flatter,” said the widow. “However, if Lady Derwentwater and Miss Forster will honour the ball with their presence, they will be able to judge for themselves.”
“Shall we go to this ball?” said the countess to the earl.
“By all means,” he replied. “It will be very numerously attended. In addition to the officers, all my gentlemen soldiers will be there.”