along like-not half the makings of a man. A stout lass like she could
a'most blow him away wi' a puff of her mouth." That was the verdict
which an old farmer's wife passed upon him, and that verdict was made
good by the general opinion of the parish.

But though the lord might be only half a man, Julia Brabazon walked out
from the church every inch a countess. Whatever price she might have
paid, she had at any rate got the thing which she had intended to buy.
And as she stepped into the chariot which carried her away to the
railway station on her way to Dover, she told herself that she had done
right. She had chosen her profession, as Harry Clavering had chosen his;
and having so far succeeded, she would do her best to make her success
perfect. Mercenary! Of course she had been mercenary. Were not all men
and women mercenary upon whom devolved the necessity of earning their
bread?

There was a great breakfast at the park--for the quality--and the rector
on this occasion submitted himself to become the guest of the nephew
whom he thoroughly disliked.




Chapter IV

Florence Burton



It was now Christmas time at Stratton, or rather Christmas time was near