one's natural ties--to one's natural affections. You must have found
that!" said Eugenia.

Mr. Wentworth had been told the day before by Felix that Eugenia was
very clever, very brilliant, and the information had held him in some
suspense. This was the cleverness, he supposed; the brilliancy was
beginning. "Yes, the natural affections are very strong," he murmured.

"In some people," the Baroness declared. "Not in all." Charlotte was
walking beside her; she took hold of her hand again, smiling always.
"And you, cousine, where did you get that enchanting complexion?"
she went on; "such lilies and roses?" The roses in poor Charlotte's
countenance began speedily to predominate over the lilies, and she
quickened her step and reached the portico. "This is the country
of complexions," the Baroness continued, addressing herself to Mr.
Wentworth. "I am convinced they are more delicate. There are very good
ones in England--in Holland; but they are very apt to be coarse. There
is too much red."

"I think you will find," said Mr. Wentworth, "that this country is
superior in many respects to those you mention. I have been to England
and Holland."

"Ah, you have been to Europe?" cried the Baroness. "Why did n't you come
and see me? But it 's better, after all, this way," she said. They were
entering the house; she paused and looked round her. "I see you have
arranged your house--your beautiful house--in the--in the Dutch taste!"

"The house is very old," remarked Mr. Wentworth. "General Washington
once spent a week here."