with one thought, and, leaning back in her chair, she yielded herself
entirely to it. Although the dinner-party had been spoiled by Mr.
Adair's uncontrollable desire to impart information, she had,
nevertheless, noticed that Captain Hibbert had been very much struck
with Olive's beauty. She was aware that her daughter was a beautiful
girl, but whether men would want to marry her Mrs. Barton did not know.
Captain Hibbert's conduct would help her to arrive at a decision. She
certainly dreamed of a title for Olive. Lord Kilcarney was, alas! not to
be thought of. Ah! if Mr. Burke were only Lord Kilcarney! But he was
not. However, Captain Hibbert would be a fairly good match. He was of
excellent family, had two thousand a year, and a place in the country
and in England too. But why snatch up the very first fish that came by?
There was no saying whom they would meet at the Castle. Still, to
encourage a flirtation could be no harm. If they met anything better, it
could be broken off; if they did not, it would be a very nice match
indeed. Besides, there was no denying that Olive was a little too
_naïve_ in her manner. Captain Hibbert's society would brush that off,
and Olive would go up to the Castle with the reputation of having made a
conquest.

Such were Mrs. Barton's thoughts as she sat, her hands laid like china
ornaments on her lap; her feet were tucked under the black-pleated
skirt, and she sometimes raised her Greuze-like eyes and looked at her
daughter.

The girls were grouped around a small table, on which stood a
feather-shaded lamp. In clear voices and clear laughs they were talking
of each other's dresses. May had just stood up to show off her skirt.
She was a superb specimen of a fat girl, and in a glow of orange ribbons
and red hair she commanded admiration.