Christopher Staines stared first, then smiled.

"Well done," said he, admiringly. "That IS a knockdown blow. So now you
have silenced your husband, go you to bed directly. I can't afford you
diamonds; so I will take care of that little insignificant trifle, your
beauty."

Mrs. Staines and Mrs. Lucas exchanged calls, and soon Mrs. Staines could
no longer complain she was out of the world. Mrs. Lucas invited her to
every party, because her beauty was an instrument of attraction she knew
how to use; and Miss Lucas took a downright fancy to her; drove her in
the park, and on Sundays to the Zoological Gardens, just beginning to be
fashionable.

The Lucases rented a box at the opera, and if it was not let at the
library by six o'clock, and if other engagements permitted, word was
sent round to Mrs. Staines, as a matter of course, and she was taken to
the opera. She began almost to live at the Lucases, and to be oftener
fatigued than moped.

The usual order of things was inverted; the maiden lady educated the
matron; for Miss Lucas knew all about everybody in the Park, honorable
or dishonorable; all the scandals, and all the flirtations; and whatever
she knew, she related point-blank. Being as inquisitive as voluble, she
soon learned how Mrs. Staines and her husband were situated. She took
upon her to advise her in many things, and especially impressed upon
her that Dr. Staines must keep a carriage, if he wanted to get on in
medicine. The piece of advice accorded so well with Rosa's wishes, that
she urged it on her husband again and again.