"Listen to me, Isabel! I
have no wish to lower your aunt in your estimation, but I feel far more
confidence in your good sense than in hers. Mr. Hardyman's business has
taken him to France for the present. It is at least possible that you
may meet with him on his return. If you do, keep him at a distance, my
dear--politely, of course. There! there! you needn't turn red; I am not
blaming you; I am only giving you a little good advice. In your position
you cannot possibly be too careful. Here is Mr. Troy! You must come to
the gate with us, Isabel, or we shall never get Tommie away from you; I
am only his second favorite; you have the first place in his affections.
God bless and prosper you, my child!--I wish to heaven you were going
back to London with me! Well, Mr. Troy, how have you done with Miss
Pink? Have you offended that terrible 'gentlewoman' (hateful word!); or
has it been all the other way, and has she given you a kiss at parting?"
Mr. Troy smiled mysteriously, and changed the subject. His brief parting
interview with the lady of the house was not of a nature to be rashly
related. Miss Pink had not only positively assured him that her visitor
was the most ill-bred woman she had ever met with, but had further
accused Lady Lydiard of shaking her confidence in the aristocracy of her
native country. "For the first time in my life," said Miss Pink, "I feel
that something is to be said for the Republican point of view; and I am
not indisposed to admit that the constitution of the United States _has_
its advantages!"
CHAPTER XII.
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