She had not any superabundance of feminine delicacy, though she had
plenty of good-breeding, and she trusted to her position in society
to cover the eccentricity of her present undertaking.
One morning after breakfast she called upon Falconer; and accustomed
to visits from all sorts of people, Mrs. Ashton showed her into his
sitting-room without even asking her name. She found him at his
piano, apologized, in her fashionable drawl, for interrupting his
music, and accepted his offer of a chair without a shade of
embarrassment. Falconer seated himself and sat waiting.
'I fear the step I have taken will appear strange to you, Mr.
Falconer. Indeed it appears strange to myself. I am afraid it may
appear stranger still.'
'It is easy for me to leave all judgment in the matter to yourself,
Miss--I beg your pardon; I know we have met; but for the moment I
cannot recall your name.'
'Lady Georgina Betterton,' drawled the visitor carelessly, hiding
whatever annoyance she may have felt.
Falconer bowed. Lady Georgina resumed.
'Of course it only affects myself; and I am willing to take the
risk, notwithstanding the natural desire to stand well in the
opinion of any one with whom even my boldness could venture such a
step.'
A smile, intended to be playful, covered the retreat of the
sentence. Falconer bowed again. Lady Georgina had yet again to
resume.
'From the little I have seen, and the much I have heard of
you--excuse me, Mr.
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