, a smouldering revolt against poverty and
dependence. Not for the first time did she remark and study such a
disposition; the symptoms were very well known to Lady Ogram; but never
before had she met it in combination with genuine ability and other
characteristics which she held in esteem.

"Let us talk about our coming man," were her next words.

They talked of Dyce Lashmar.

CHAPTER IX

It was natural that Lady Ogram should from the beginning have suspected
Miss Bride of a peculiar interest in Lashmar. When first she introduced
her friend's name, Constance a little exaggerated the tone of
impartiality, and in subsequent conversation she was never quite
herself on this topic. Evidently she thought of the young man more
often than she cared to have it known; a sort of subdued irritation now
and then betrayed itself in her when she assented to a favourable
comment regarding him, and a certain suspense of judgment--quite unlike
her familiar attitude of mind--always marked her agreement in hopes for
his future. The old woman of the world interpreted this by her own
lights. At moments it vexed her, for she did not like to be mystified;
at others, it touched a chord of sympathy in some very obscure corner
of her being. And, as no practical problem could be put before her
without her wishing to solve it autocratically, Lady Ogram soon formed
a project with regard to these two persons, a project which took firmer
consistence, and pleased her more, the more she pondered it.

On the appointed day, Lashmar arrived at Rivenoak. He was allowed to
spend an hour in reposeful solitude ere being admitted to his hostess's
presence. Conducted at length to the green drawing-room, he found Lady
Ogram alone. She scrutinised him with friendly but searching eye, gave
him her hand, and bade him be seated near her.

"I have another visitor coming from London to-day; an old friend of
mine, Mrs. Toplady."

Where had Dyce heard that name? Somewhere, certainly. He tried hard to
remember, but without success.

"I think you will like her," pursued Lady Ogram, "and she will perhaps
be useful to you. She likes to know everybody who is, or is going to
be, somebody. She'll ask you, no doubt, to her house in Pont Street,
where you'll meet a great many fools and some reasonable people. She
herself, I may tell you, is no fool, but she has a good deal more
patience with that sort than I ever had, and so, of course, has many
more friends. S