Constance Bride had left the room for a moment; she returned with a
thin pamphlet in her hand, which, after taking leave of Mr. and Mrs.
Gallantry, she silently offered to Lashmar.

"Ah, this is the Report," said Dyce. "Many thanks."

He stood rustling the leaves with an air of much interest. On
turning towards his hostess, about to utter some complimentary
remark, he saw that Lady Ogram was sitting with her head bent
forward and her eyes closed; but for the position of her hands, each
grasping an arm of the chair, one would have imagined that she had
fallen asleep. Dyce glanced at Constance, who had resumed her seat,
and was watching the old lady. A minute passed in complete silence,
then Lady Ogram gave a start, recovered herself, and fixed her look
upon the visitor.

"How old are you?" she asked, in a voice which had become less
distinct, as if through fatigue.

"Seven and twenty, Lady Ogram."

"And your father is a clergyman?"

"My father is vicar of Alverholme, in Northamptonshire."

She added a few short, sharp questions, concerning his family and
his education, which Dyce answered succinctly.

"Would you like to see something of Rivenoak? If so, Miss Bride will