The contrast of the prosperity typified by the great white place and the poverty of Heron Hall smote her sharply.

She was poorer even than she had thought: what would the great, the rich Sir Stephen say to such a daughter-in-law?
She watched the launch dreamily as it shot across the lake, and wondered whether Stafford was on board, laughing and talking perhaps with the beautiful Miss Falconer.

In this moment of her trouble the thought was not pleasant, but there was no jealousy in it, for in her assurance of his love he was free to talk and jest with whom he pleased.

She turned, and after making her usual circuit, rode home-wards.

As she reached the cross-road she heard the sound of a horse coming from the Hall, and she pulled up, her heart beating fast; then it sank with disappointment, for the horseman came round the bend and she saw that it was a groom.
He touched his hat as he passed, and rode on at a sharp trot in the direction of Bryndremere.