She was a woman who reminded him a little of Queen Victoria; so assured in her own room, a large part of her attention always given to the successful issue of her duties, the remainder at the disposal of her guests.

It was an old-fashioned, not unpleasant feeling: like retrospect.

But she had beautiful, big, smooth emeralds and sapphires on her fingers.

Money! What a curious thing it is! Aaron noticed the deference of all the guests at table: a touch of obsequiousness: before the money! And the host and hostess accepted the deference, nay, expected it, as their due.

Yet both Sir William and Lady Franks knew that it was only money and success.