this idea; not that she was averse
to it, or that she had not often entertained it; indeed, she had
entertained it not two hours ago about Pitt himself; but the presence
of the man and the recognition of what was in him had stirred in her a
kindred delicacy which was innate, as in every true woman, although her
way of life and some of her associates had not fostered it. Betty Frere
was a true woman, originally; alas, she was also now a woman of the
world; also, she was poor, and to make a good marriage she had known
for some years was very desirable for her. What a very good marriage
this would be! Poor girl, she could not help the thought now, and she
must not be judged hardly for it. It was in the air she breathed, and
that all her associates breathed. Betty had not been in a hurry to get
married, having small doubt of her power to do it in any case that
pleased her; now, somehow, she was suddenly confronted by a doubt of
her power.

I am pulling out the threads of what was to Betty only a web of very
confused pattern; _she_ did not try to unravel it. Her consciousness of
just two things was clear: the pleasant stimulus of the task set before
her, and a little sharp premonition of its danger. She dismissed that.
She could perform the task and detach Pitt from any imaginary ties that
his mother was afraid of, without herself thereby becoming entangled.
It would be a game of uncommon interest and entertainment, and a piece
of benevolence too. But Betty's pulses, as I said, were quickened a
little.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

_HOLIDAYS_.

She did not see her new acquaintance again till they met at the
supper-table. She behaved herself then in an extremely well-bred way;
was dignified and reserved and quiet; hardly said anything, as with a
nice recognition that her words were not wanted; scarce ever seemed to
look at the new arrival, of whom, nevertheless, not a word nor a look
escaped her; and was simply an elegant quiet figure at the table, so
lovely to look at that words from her seemed to be superfluous. Whether
the stranger saw it, or whether he missed anything, there was no sign.
He seemed to be provokingly and exclusively occupied with his father
and mother; hardly, she thought, giving to herself all the attention
which is due from a gentleman to a lady. Yet he fulfilled his duties in
that regard, albeit only as one does it to whom they are a matter of
course. Betty listened attentively to everything that was sai