She was wondering whether he remembered as well as she did that half an ordinary lifetime lay between that moment and the occasion when she reproved his profanity.
"Come," she said, rising, "take me back to the drawing-room, and I will make somebody introduce me to the girl." Jocelyn Gordon, sitting near the fire, talking to a white-moustached explorer, and listening good-naturedly to a graphic account of travels which had been put in the background by more recent wanderers, was somewhat astounded when the hostess came up to her a few minutes later, and introduced a stout little lady, with twinkling, kindly eyes, by the name of Lady Cantourne.

She had heard vaguely of Lady Cantourne as a society leader of the old school, but had no clue to this obviously intentional introduction.
"You are wondering," said Lady Cantourne, when she had sent the explorer on his travels elsewhere in order that she might have his seat--"you are wondering why I asked to know you." She looked into the girl's face with bright, searching eyes.
"I am afraid I was," admitted Jocelyn.
"I have two reasons: one vulgar--the other sentimental.

The vulgar reason was curiosity.

I like to know people whose appearance prepossesses me.

I am an old woman--no, you need not shake your head, my dear! not with me--I am almost a very old woman, but not quite; and all my life I have trusted in appearances.