Vain to play her part of languid
indifference--vain to struggle against her bondage. In heart and spirit
she was at his feet, an odalisque, recognising and bowing down to her
sultan.
Happily for the general peace, Mr. Smithson had been looking away
seaward, with a somewhat troubled brow, while that little cap and saucer
episode was being enacted. And in the next minute Lesbia had recovered
her self-command, and resumed that graceful languor which was one of her
charms. She was weak, but she was not altogether foolish; and she had no
idea of succumbing to this new influence--of yielding herself up to this
conqueror, who seemed to take her life into his hand as if it were a bit
of thistledown. Her agitation of those first few minutes was due to the
suddenness of his appearance--the reaction from dulness to delight. She
had been told that he was not to be at Cowes till Monday, and lo! he was
here at her side, just as she was thinking how empty and dreary life was
without him.
He dropped into his place so naturally and easily, made himself so
thoroughly at home and so agreeable to every one, that it was almost
impossible for Horace Smithson to resent his audacity! Mr.
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