But young people do not understand.'

And she sighed heavily, with a side glance at her daughter, who did
not even appear to be trying to do so. Julia Barenna was darker
than her cousin, quicker in manner, with an air of worldly
capability which Estella lacked. Her eyes were quick and restless,
her face less beautiful, but expressive of a great intelligence,
which, if brought to bear upon men in the form of coquetry, was
likely to be infinitely dangerous.

'It is always best to approach my mother with caution,' she said
with a restless movement of her hands. This was not a woman at her
ease in the world or at peace with it. She laughed as she spoke,
but her eyes were grave, even while her lips smiled, and watched the
Englishman's face with an air almost of anxiety. There are some
faces that seem to be watching and waiting. Julia Barenna's had
such a look.

'Conyngham,' said Madame Barenna reflectively. 'Surely I have heard
that name before. You are not the Englishman with whom Father
Concha is so angry--who sells forbidden books--the Bible, it is
said?'

'No, senora,' answered Conyngham with perfect gravity; 'I have
nothing to sell.'

He laughed suddenly, and looked at the elder lady with that air of
good humour which won for him more friends than he ever wanted; for
this Irishman had a ray of sunshine in his heart which shone upon
his path through life, and made that uneven way easier for his feet.