When he let his own, nothing could have been further from his
thoughts than marriage. As to this house--Lady Kirton had told her
daughter she would be disappointed in it; but when Maude saw its
dimensions, its shabby entrance, its want of style altogether, she was
dismayed. "And after that glowing advertisement!" she breathed
resentfully. It was one of the smallest houses facing the Green Park.
Hedges came forward with an apology from the countess-dowager. An apology
for not invading their house and inflicting her presence upon them
uninvited! A telegraphic despatch from Lord Kirton had summoned her to
Ireland on the previous day; and Val's face grew bright as he heard it.
"What was the matter, Hedges?" inquired his mistress. "I'm sure my
brother would not telegraph unless it was something."
"The message didn't say, my lady. It was just a few words, asking her
ladyship to go off by the first train, but giving no reason."
"I wonder she went, then," observed Val to his wife, as they looked into
the different rooms. But Maude did not wonder: she knew how anxious her
mother was to be on good terms with her eldest son, from whom she
received occasional supplies. Rather would she quarrel with the whole
world than with him.
"I think it a good thing she has gone, Maude," said he. "There certainly
would not have been room for her and for us in this house.
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