CHAPTER VI.

A few days after the visit to Cadurcis, when Lady Annabel was sitting alone, a postchaise drove up to the hall, whence issued a short and stout woman with a rubicund countenance, and dressed in a style which remarkably blended the shabby with the tawdry.  She was accompanied by a boy between eleven and twelve years of age, whose appearance, however, much contrasted with that of his mother, for he was pale and slender, with long curling black hair and large black eyes, which occasionally, by their transient flashes, agreeably relieved a face the general expression of which might be esteemed somewhat shy and sullen.  The lady, of course, was Mrs. Cadurcis, who was received by Lady Annabel with the greatest courtesy.

‘A terrible journey,’ exclaimed Mrs. Cadurcis, fanning herself as she took her seat, ’and so very hot!  Plantagenet, my love, make your bow!  Have not I always told you to make a bow when you enter a room, especially where there are strangers?  This is Lady Annabel Herbert, who was so kind as to call upon us.  Make your bow to Lady Annabel.’

The boy gave a sort of sulky nod, but Lady Annabel received it so graciously and expressed herself so kindly to him that his features relaxed a little, though he was quite silent and sat on the edge of his chair, the picture of dogged indifference.

‘Charming country, Lady Annabel,’ said Mrs. Cadurcis, ’but worse roads, if possible, than we had in Northumberland, where, indeed, there were no roads at all.  Cherbury a delightful place, very unlike the abbey; dreadfully lonesome I assure you I find it, Lady Annabel.  Great change for us from a little town and all our kind neighbours.  Very different from Morpeth; is it not, Plantagenet?’

‘I hate Morpeth,’ said the boy.

‘Hate Morpeth!’ exclaimed Mrs. Cadurcis; ’well, I am sure, that is very ungrateful, with so many kind friends as we always found.  Besides, Plantagenet, have I not always told you that you are to hate nothing?  It is very wicked.  The trouble it costs me, Lady Annabel, to educate this dear child!’ continued Mrs. Cadurcis, turning to Lady Annabel, and speaking in a semi-tone.  ’I have done it all myself, I assure you; and, when he likes, he can be as good as any one.  Can’t you, Plantagenet?’

Lord Cadurcis gave a grim smile; seated himself at the very back of the deep chair and swung his feet, which no longer reached the ground, to and fro.

‘I am sure that Lord Cadurcis always behaves well,’ said Lady Annabel.

‘There, Plantagenet,’ exclaimed Mrs. Cadurcis, ’only listen to that.  Hear what Lady Annabel Herbert says; she is sure you always behave well.  Now mind, never give her ladyship cause to change her opinion.’

Plantagenet curled his lip, and half turned his back on his companions.

’I regretted so much that I was not at home when you did me the honour to call,’ resumed Mrs. Cadurcis; ’but I had gone over for the day to Southport, buying furniture.  What a business it is to buy furniture, Lady Annabel!’ added Mrs. Cadurcis, with a piteous expression.