She had not enjoyed herself so much for the last three
months. She had been stretched on Society's rack, and she had been
ground in Society's mill; and neither mind nor body had been her own to
do what she liked withal. She had toiled early and late, and had spared
herself in no wise. And now the trouble was over for a space. Here were
rest and respite. She had done her duty as a chaperon, had provided her
charge with the very best thing the matrimonial market offered. She had
paid her creditors something on account all round, and had left them
appeased and trustful, if not content. Sir George had gone oft alone to
drink the waters at Spa, and to fortify himself for Scotland and the
grouse season. She was her own mistress, and she could fold her hands
and take her rest, eat and drink and sleep and be merry, all at Mr.
Smithson's expense.
The yachts came flocking in next day, like a flight of white-winged sea
birds, and Mr. Smithson had enough to do receiving visitors upon the
_Cayman_. He was fully occupied; but Montesma had nothing to do, except
to amuse Lady Lesbia and her chaperon, and in this onerous task he
succeeded admirably.
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