‘It will be simple enchantment,’ exclaimed the more enthusiastic Georgie Kirkbank.  ’There is nothing so rapturous as life on board a yacht; there is a flavour of adventure, a sansgene, a—­in short everything in the world that I like.  I shall wear my cotton frocks, and give myself up to enjoyment, lie on the deck and look up at the blue sky, too deliciously idle even to read the last horrid thing of Zola’s.’

But the Cowes Regatta was nearly three weeks ahead; and in the meantime there was Goodwood, and the ravelled threads of the London season had to be wound up.  And by this time it was known everywhere that the affair between Mr. Smithson and Maulevrier’s sister was really on.  ’It’s as settled a business as the entries and bets for next year’s Derby,’ said one lounger to another in the smoking-room of the Haute Gomme.  ’Play or pay, don’t you know.’

Lady Kirkbank and Lesbia had both written to Lady Maulevrier, Lesbia writing somewhat coldly, very briefly, and in a half defiant tone, to the effect that she had accepted Mr. Smithson’s offer, and that she hoped her grandmother would be pleased with a match which everybody supposed to be extremely advantageous.  She was going to Grasmere immediately after the Cowes week to see her dear grandmother, and to be assured of her approval.  In the meanwhile she was awfully busy; there were callers driving up to the door at that very moment, and her brain was racked by the apprehension that she might not get her new gown in time for the Bachelor’s Ball, which was to be quite one of the nicest things of the year, so dearest grandmother must excuse a hurried letter, etc., etc., etc.

Georgie Kirkbank was more effusive, more lengthy.  She expatiated upon the stupendous alliance which her sweetest Lesbia was about to make; and took credit to herself for having guided Lesbia’s footsteps in the right way.

‘Smithson is a most difficult person,’ she wrote.  ’The least error of taste on your dear girl’s part would have froissed him.  Men with that immense wealth are always suspicious, ready to imagine mercenary motives, on their guard against being trapped.  But Lesbia had me at her back, and she managed him perfectly.  He is positively her slave; and you will be able to twist him round your little finger in the matter of settlements.  You may do what you like with him, for the ground has been thoroughly prepared by me.’

Lady Maulevrier’s reply was not enthusiastic.  She had no doubt Mr. Smithson was a very good match, according to the modern estimate of matrimonial alliances, in which money seemed to be the Alpha and Omega.  But she had cherished views of another kind.  She had hoped to see her dear granddaughter wear one of those noble and historic names which are a badge of distinction for all time.  She had hoped to see her enter one of those grand old families which are a kind of royalty.  And that Lesbia should marry a man whose sole distinction consisted of an immense fortune amassed heaven knows how, was a terrible blow to her pride.