Elvira had a tone of arch simplicity which, in such a pretty
creature, was most engaging, and she was in high spirits with the
pleasure of being with new people, away from her schoolroom and from
England, neither of which she loved, so she chattered amiably and
amusingly, entertained Mrs. Evelyn, and fascinated Sir James.
Janet and her companion were less complacently regarded. Certainly
the girl (though less ancient-looking at twenty-one than at fourteen)
had the air of one well used to independence, so that she was no
great subject for responsibility; but she gave no favourable
impression, and was at no pains to do so. When she rejoined the
party, Mrs. Evelyn asked whether she had known that gentleman long.
"He is a friend of my brother Robert," she answered. "Shall I
introduce you?"
Mrs. Evelyn declined in a quiet civil tone, that provoked a mental
denunciation of her as strait-laced and uncharitable, and as soon as
the gentleman returned to the neighbourhood, Janet again sought his
company, let him escort her ashore, and only came back to the others
in the refreshment-room, whither she brought a copy of a German
periodical which he had lent her. With much satisfaction Mrs. Evelyn
filled the railway carriage with her own party, so that there was no
room for any addition to their number.
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