She had made up her mind that her life was not to be spoiled, her brilliant future sacrificed, for the sake of John Hammond; but the wound which she had suffered in renouncing him was still fresh, her feelings were still sore.  Any contemptuous mention of him stung her to the quick.

’I hope not.  And you will beware of other adventurers, Lesbia, men of a worse stamp than Mr. Hammond, more experienced in ruse and iniquity, men steeped to the lips in worldly knowledge, men who look upon women as mere counters in the game of life.  The world thinks that I am rich, and you will no doubt take rank as an heiress.  You will therefore be a mark for every spendthrift, noble or otherwise, who wants to restore his broken fortunes by a wealthy marriage.  And now, my dearest, good-bye.  Half my heart goes with you.  Nothing could induce me to part with you, even for a few weeks, except the conviction that it is for your good.’

‘But we shall not be parted next year, I hope, grandmother,’ said Lesbia, affectionately.  ’You said something about presenting me, and then leaving me in Lady Kirkbank’s care for the season.  I should not like that at all.  I want you to go everywhere with me, to teach me all the mysteries of the great world.  You have always promised me that it should be so.’

’And I have always intended that it should be so.  I hope that it will be so,’ answered her grandmother, with a sigh; ’but I am an old woman, Lesbia, and I am rooted to this place.’

’But why should you be rooted here?  What charm can keep you here, when you are so fitted to shine in society?  You are old in nothing but years, and not even old in years in comparison with women whom we hear of, going everywhere and mixing in every fashionable amusement.  You are full of fire and energy, and as active as a girl.  Why should you not enjoy a London season, grandmother?’ pleaded Lesbia, nestling her head lovingly against Lady Maulevrier’s shoulder.

’I should enjoy it, dearest, with you.  It would be a renewal of my youth to see you shine and conquer.  I should be as proud as if the glory were all my own.  Yes, dear, I hope that I shall be a spectator of your triumphs.  But do not let us plan the future.  Life is so full of changes.  Remember what Horace says——­’

‘Horace is a bore,’ said Lesbia.  ’I hate a poet who is always harping upon change and death.’

The carriage, which was to take the travellers to Windermere Station, was announced at this moment, and Lesbia and her grandmother gave each other the farewell embrace.

‘You like Lady Kirkbank, I hope?’ said Lady Maulevrier, as they went towards the ball, where that lady was waiting for them, with Lady Mary and Fraeulein Mueller in attendance upon her.

’She seems very kind, but I should like her better if she did not paint—­or if she painted better.’

’My dear child I’m afraid it is the fashion of the day, just as it was in Pope’s time, and we ought to think nothing about it.’