"I might reply by calling you Thaddeus of Warsaw, for you look very
romantic and Polish with your pale, pensive face, and your splendid
furs," she answered, as she paused beside him with admiration very
visibly expressed in her eyes.

Treherne disliked the look, and rather abruptly said, as he offered her
the basket of bread, "I have disposed of my cousin, and offered to do
the honors of the peacocks. Here they are--will you feed them?"

"No, thank you--I care nothing for the fowls, as you know; I came to
speak to you," she said impatiently.

"I am at your service."

"I wish to ask you a question or two--is it permitted?"

"What man ever refused Mrs. Snowdon a request?"

"Nay, no compliments; from you they are only satirical evasions. I was
deceived when abroad, and rashly married that old man. Tell me truly how
things stand."

"Jasper has all. I have nothing."

"I am glad of it."

"Many thanks for the hearty speech. You at least speak sincerely," he
said bitterly.