’As for Strike, I refuse to speak of him.  He is insufferable and next to useless.  How can one talk with any confidence of relationship with a Major of Marines?  When I reflect on what he is, and his conduct to Caroline, I have inscrutable longings to slap his face.  Tell dear Carry her husband’s friend—­the chairman or something of that wonderful company of Strike’s—­you know—­the Duke of Belfield is coming here.  He is a blood-relation of the Elburnes, therefore of the Jocelyns.  It will not matter at all.  Breweries, I find, are quite in esteem in your England.  It was highly commendable in his Grace to visit you.  Did he come to see the Major of Marines?  Caroline is certainly the loveliest woman I ever beheld, and I forgive her now the pangs of jealousy she used to make me feel.

’Andrew, I hope, has received the most kind invitations of the Jocelyns.  He must come.  Melville must talk with him about the votes of his abominable brother in Fallow field.  We must elect Melville and have the family indebted to us.  But pray be careful that Andrew speaks not a word to his odious brother about our location here.  It would set him dead against these hospitable Jocelyns.  It will perhaps be as well, dear Harriet, if you do not accompany Andrew.  You would not be able to account for him quite thoroughly.  Do as you like—­I do but advise, and you know I may be trusted—­for our sakes, dear one!  I am working for Carry to come with Andrew.  Beautiful women always welcome.  A prodigy! —­if they wish to astonish the Duke.  Adieu!  Heaven bless your babes!’

The night passes, and the Countess pursues: 

’Awakened by your fresh note from a dream of Evan on horseback, and a multitude hailing him Count Jocelyn for Fallow field!  A morning dream.  They might desire that he should change his name; but “Count” is preposterous, though it may conceal something.

’You say Andrew will come, and talk of his bringing Caroline.  Anything to give our poor darling a respite from her brute.  You deserve great credit for your managing of that dear little good-natured piece of obstinate man.  I will at once see to prepare dear Caroline’s welcome, and trust her stay may be prolonged in the interest of common humanity.  They have her story here already.

’Conning has come in, and says that young Mr. Harry Jocelyn will be here this morning from Fallow field, where he has been cricketing.  The family have not spoken of him in my hearing.  He is not, I think, in good odour at home—­a scapegrace.  Rose’s maid, Polly, quite flew out when I happened to mention him, and broke one of my laces.  These English maids are domesticated savage animals.

’My chocolate is sent up, exquisitely concocted, in plate of the purest quality—­lovely little silver cups!  I have already quite set the fashion for the ladies to have chocolate in bed.  The men, I hear, complain that there is no lady at the breakfast-table.  They have Miss Carrington to superintend.  I read, in the subdued satisfaction of her eyes (completely without colour), how much she thanks me and the institution of chocolate in bed.  Poor Miss Carrington is no match for her opportunities.  One may give them to her without dread.