Maude
laughed. She did not care for Val--rather despised him in her heart; but
he was the most attractive man present, and she liked admiration.
Another link in the chain! For how many, many days and years, dating from
that evening, did that awful old woman take a seat, at intervals, at Lord
Hartledon's table, and assume it as a right!
CHAPTER V.
JEALOUSY.
The rain poured down on the Monday morning; and Lord Hartledon stood at
the window of the countess-dowager's sitting-room--one she had
unceremoniously adopted for her own private use--smoking a cigar, and
watching the clouds. Any cigar but his would have been consigned to the
other side the door. Mr. Elster had only shown (by mere accident) the
end of his cigar-case, and the dowager immediately demanded what he meant
by displaying that article in the presence of ladies. A few minutes
afterwards Lord Hartledon entered, smoking, and was allowed to enjoy his
cigar with impunity. Good-tempered Val's delicate lips broke into a
silent smile as he marked the contrast.
He lounged on the sofa, doing nothing, in his idle fashion; Lord
Hartledon continued to watch the clouds. On the previous Saturday night
the gentlemen had entered into an argument about boating: the result was
that a match on the river was arranged, and some bets were pending on it.
It had been fixed to come off this day, Monday; but if the rain continued
to come down, it must be postponed; for the ladies, who had been promised
the treat, would not venture out to see it.
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