She extremely disliked the way in which he had kissed her hands; and yet he had put into the action such a passion of reverent worship that it gave her a sense of consecration--of being, as it were, set apart to minister always to the hearts of men in that perfect gift of melody which should uplift and ennoble.

She could not lose the sensation of the impress of his lips upon the palms of her hands.

It was as if he had left behind something tangible and abiding.

She caught herself looking at them anxiously once or twice, and the third time this happened she determined to go to her room.
The duchess was at the piano, completely hidden from view by nearly the whole of her house party, crowding round in fits of delighted laughter.
Ronnie had just broken through from the inmost circle to fetch an antimacassar; and Billy, to dash to the writing-table for a sheet of note-paper.

Jane knew the note-paper meant a clerical dog collar, and she concluded something had been worn which resembled an antimacassar.
She turned rather wearily and moved towards the door.