"You will come over to see my sister? I should be so grateful; she would
welcome you so warmly. I have always longed for her to have a friend."

There was a slight constraint in the faces of mother and daughter. I
wondered what it meant. Lady Thesiger was the first to speak.

"We shall be delighted to do all that lies in our power to soften Miss
Trevelyan's terrible affliction. Pray, pardon me, Sir Edgar, but is
Mademoiselle d'Aubergne still at Crown Anstey?"

"She is staying there as a companion to my sister, who is utterly
incapable of taking any share in the management of the house."

"You must find a wife," said Sir John. "I should say myself that Crown
Anstey requires a mistress."

I longed to say there and then how I should pray him to give me his
daughter for a wife. Our eyes met. She must have read my thoughts, for
her face grew crimson, nor did I catch another glimpse of those lovely
eyes during my visit.

It was with difficulty I could tear myself away. Sir John, who was a
great connoisseur in horses, went with me to see Bonnie Prince. While we
stood on the lawn he turned to me with a constrained smile.

"So mademoiselle is still at Crown Anstey?" he said. "I suppose she is
as beautiful as ever?"

"Tastes differ," I replied, oddly. "Her beauty is not according to my
idea."