"For Isabel's own sake, and for the quieting of my conscience," she
answered, "I will say one word more, Miss Pink, before I relieve you
of my presence. Considering my age and my opportunities, I may claim
to know quite as much as you do of the laws and customs which
regulate society in our time. Without contesting your niece's social
position--and without the slightest intention of insulting you--I repeat
that the rank which Mr. Hardyman inherits makes it simply impossible for
him even to think of marrying Isabel. You will do well not to give him
any opportunities of meeting with her alone. And you will do better
still (seeing that he is so near a neighbor of yours) if you permit
Isabel to return to my protection, for a time at least. I will wait to
hear from you when you have thought the matter over at your leisure.
In the mean time, if I have inadvertently offended you, I ask your
pardon--and I wish you good-evening."
She bowed, and walked to the door. Miss Pink, as resolute as ever in
maintaining her pretensions, made an effort to match the great lady on
her own ground.
"Before you go, Lady Lydiard, I beg to apologize if I have spoken too
warmly on my side," she said. "Permit me to send for your carriage."
"Thank you, Miss Pink. My carriage is only at the village inn. I shall
enjoy a little walk in the cool evening air. Mr. Troy, I have no doubt,
will give me his arm." She bowed once more, and quietly left the room.
Reaching the little back garden of the villa, through an open door
at the further end of the hall, Lady Lydiard found Tommie rolling
luxuriously on Miss Pink's flower-beds, and Isabel and Mr.
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