After mentioning several uninteresting mansions, the agent observed that, of course, there was Westmoreland House still going, and Molly’s eyes flashed.  She had been at the great sale at Westmoreland House; she had been absolutely fascinated by the great well staircase and by the music-room, by the square reception-rooms, and above all by the gallery with its perfection of light moulding, a room of glass and gold, but so spiritualised, so subdued and reticent and dignified, that ghosts might live there undisturbed.

Molly trembled with eagerness as she asked the vital questions of cost, of repairs, of rates and taxes.  Yes, it was possible—­undoubtedly possible.  There was a very large sum of money in a bank in Florence which possibly Madame Danterre had accumulated there with a view to a sudden emergency.  Molly’s lawyer had not been certain of the amount, but he had mentioned a sum larger than the price of Westmoreland House.

By the time Molly was fit to go back to London, and while the theories just described were still in possession of her mind, Westmoreland House was bought.  Molly said it was a great relief to get it settled.

“One feels more settled altogether,” she said to Miss Carew, “when a big question like that is done with.”

She strolled with Miss Carew on the smooth sand by the water’s edge on the last evening before leaving, and looked up at the white cliffs growing bright in the light of the sunset.

“It has been very restful,” she said.  “I am almost sorry to go.”

“Then why not stay a little longer, my dear?”

“Oh, no, Carey! it would soon become quite intolerable; it isn’t real life, only a pause; and now, Carey, I am going to live!”

The sun presently set lower and more grey than they had expected; the wind felt sharper, and Molly shivered.  Nature was unbearable without its gilding.

CHAPTER XXIV

MRS. DELAPORT GREEN IN THE ASCENDANT

Mrs. Delaport Green had been to Egypt for the winter, and came back, refreshed as a giant, for life in London.  She was really glad to see Tim, who was unfeignedly pleased to see her, and they spent quite an hour in the pleasantest chat.  Of course he had not much news to give of his wife’s acquaintances as he did not live among them, but one item of information interested her extremely.

“Miss Dexter has bought Westmoreland House in Park Lane!”

Mrs. Delaport Green’s eyes sparkled with excitement and the green light of envy, and she determined to call on Molly at once.  Happily there had been no open quarrel, which only showed how wise it was to forget injuries, for certainly the girl had been most disgracefully rude.

Molly’s new abode stood back from the street, and had usually an immensely dignified air of quiet, but there was a good deal of noise and bustle going on when Adela reached the door.  Several large pieces of furniture, a picture, and a heavy clock, might have been obstacles enough to keep out most visitors, but Adela persevered, and the dusty and worried porter said that Molly was at home before he had a moment for reflection.