riselda Dundas might now
be irresponsible for her eccentricities, but no one could deny that at a
time when she was in full possession of her faculties she had
complacently plumed herself upon the popular vote which placed her at
the head of the cantankerous, ill-mannered women in Society. With all
sincerity she had endeavoured to live up to her reputation, and though
her grand-niece was possibly the only person on earth for whom she had
any affection, she was also at the same time the most convenient butt.
Grizel was ordered about, hectored, reproved, dragged here and there
without the slightest reference to her own wishes. That the girl bore
it cheerfully, uncomplainingly, even with an appearance of zest, was
attributed to mercenary motives by society at large. Grizel was--
presumably--heiress to Lady Griselda's fortune, and it was felt that an
even harder apprenticeship would be a cheap price to pay for so big a
prize. Surmises in plenty were made as to the amount in question;
Grizel went about labelled as one of the greatest heiresses in society,
but not even her most intimate friends had the temerity to question Lady
Griselda as to the reality of these expectations. No one but her "man
of business" knew the secret of the will locked within his safe.

"What happens about your own bean feasts, Grizel?" Martin enquired from
the corner seat, to which he had carried his tea. The position afforded
a full-length view of the visitor as she lolled on the couch; it was
also slightly behind Katrine at the tea-table. There were occasions
when it was distinctly an asset to be out of the range of Katrine's
eyes. "Do you go out as much as you used? I suppose there is a capable
maid whom you can leave in charge. You can't possibly be bound--"

"I'm not bound, but she's a beautiful excuse. I go out when she's
better, which means an invitation which tempts, and if it doesn't she's
worse! In the daytime I'm on duty. Parsons is a brick, but she's a
serious brick, and it's hard lines on the old Buddy to be taken
seriously night and day. It needs a vast intellect to be vivacious with
the insane, but it's drefful interesting when you've learned the knack.
I'm thinking of taking it up as a Pro. Doctor White has sworn to
recommend me. He says he fears for his own brain, but just for the
moment he ordered a change... I'm not used to taxing my intellect, and
it's a bit of a strain, so I took a mean advantage of the old dear