 appeared to shine with double lustre.
How was it? They were at a loss to say. They certainly could say that the
Countess was egregiously affected and vulgar; but who could be altogether
complacent and sincere that had to fight so hard a fight? In this struggle with
society I see one of the instances where success is entirely to be honoured and
remains a proof of merit. For however boldly antagonism may storm the ranks of
society, it will certainly be repelled, whereas affinity cannot be resisted; and
they who, against obstacles of birth, claim and keep their position among the
educated and refined, have that affinity. It is, on the whole, rare, so that
society is not often invaded. I think it will have to front Jack Cade again
before another Old Mel and his progeny shall appear. You refuse to believe in
Old Mel? You know not nature's cunning.
    Mrs. Shorne, Mrs. Melville, Miss Carrington, and many of the guests who
observed Evan moving from place to place, after the exposure, as they called it,
were amazed at his audacity. There seemed such a quietly superb air about him.
He would not look out of his element; and this, knowing what they knew, was his
offence. He deserved some commendation for still holding up his head, but it was
love and Rose who kept the fires of his heart alive.
    The sun had sunk. The figures on the summit of Parnassus were seen bobbing
in happy placidity against the twilight sky. The sun had sunk, and many of Mr.
Raikes' best things were unspoken. Wandering about in his gloom, he heard a
feminine voice:
    »Yes, I will trust you.«
    »You will not repent it,« was answered.
    Recognizing the Duke, Mr. Raikes cleared his throat.
    »A-hem, your Grace! This is how the days should pass. I think we should
diurnally station a good London band on high, and play his Majesty to bed - the
sun. My opinion is, it would improve the crops. I 'm not, as yet, a landed
proprietor -«
    The Duke stepped aside with him, and Raikes addressed no one for the next
twenty minutes. When he next came forth Parnassus was half deserted. It was
known that old Mrs. Bonner had been taken with a dangerous attack, and under
this third blow the pic-nic succumbed. Simultaneously with the messenger that
brought the news to Lady Jocelyn, one approached Evan, and informed him that the
Countess de Saldar urgently entreated him to come
