as had been given to the little girls. "My cousin Delavie's own
daughter," said the lady: "You have the family likeness."

"So I have been told, madam."

"Your father is well, I hope."

"He was pretty well, I thank you Ladyship, when I heard from my sister
ten days ago."

"I shall see him in a week's time, and shall report well of his little
daughter," said Lady Belamour kindly. "I am under obligations to you,
my dear. You seem to have tamed my little savages."

Aurelia was amazed, for the universal awe of my Lady had made her
expect a harsh and sever Semiramis style of woman, whereas she
certainly saw a majestic beauty, but with none of the terrors that
she had anticipated. The voice was musical and perfectly modulated,
the manner more caressing than imperious towards herself, and
studiously polite to the house keeper. While orders were being
given as to arrangements, Aurelia took in the full details of the
person of whom she had heard so much. It seemed incredible that Lady
Belamour could have been mother to contemporaries of Betty, for she
looked younger than Betty herself. Her symmetry and carriage were
admirable, and well shown by the light blue habit laced richly and
embroidered with silver. A small round hat with a cluster of white
ostrich feathers was placed among the slightly frizzed and powdered
masses of mouse-coloured hair, surmounting a long ivory neck, whose
graceful turn, the theme of many a sonnet, was not concealed by the
masculine collar of the habit. The exquisite oval contour of the