Albeit the house was an ideal house, set in a landscape of infinite
beauty, the monotony must be none the less oppressive for a mind
burdened with dark memories, weighed down by sorrows which could seek no
relief from sympathy, which could never become familiarised by
discussion.
'I wonder that a woman of Lady Maulevrier's intellect should not have
better known how to treat her own malady,' thought Hammond.
Mr. Hammond inquired after her ladyship's health next morning, and was
told she was perfectly well.
'Grandmother is in capital spirits,' said Lady Lesbia. 'She is pleased
with the contents of yesterday's _Globe_. Lord Denyer, the son of one of
her oldest friends, has been making a great speech at Liverpool in the
Conservative interest, and her ladyship thinks we shall have a change of
parties before long.'
'A general shuffle of the cards,' said Maulevrier, looking up from his
breakfast. 'I'm sure I hope so. I'm no politician, but I like a row.'
'I hope you are a Conservative, Mr. Hammond,' said Lesbia.
'I had hoped you would have known that ever so long ago, Lady Lesbia.
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