Others there were, however, the loyal few, who having won the prize
matrimonial in Lady Kirkbank's happy hunting grounds, remained true to
their friend ever afterwards, and defended her character against every
onslaught.
When Lady Maulevrier told her grandson that she had entrusted Lady
Kirkbank with the duty of introducing Lesbia to society, Maulevrier
shrugged his shoulders and held his peace. He knew no actual harm in the
matter. Lady Kirkbank's was rather a fast set; and had he been allowed
to choose it was not to Lady Kirkbank that he would have delegated his
grandmother's duty. In Maulevrier's own phrase it was 'not good enough'
for Lesbia. But it was not in his power to interfere. He was not told of
the plan until everything had been settled. The thing was accomplished;
and against accomplished facts Maulevrier was the last to protest.
His friend John Hammond had not been silent. He knew nothing of Lady
Kirkbank personally; but he knew the position which she held in London
society, and he urged his friend strongly to enlighten Lady Maulevrier
as to the kind of circle into which she was about to entrust her young
granddaughter, a girl brought up in the Arcadia of England.
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