It was useful when we went to India--because I knew so much about the regiments we came across." This accomplishment of hers proved indeed a god-send; the young man found his tongue; and the visit ended much better than it began.
As he said good-bye, he looked, round the drawing-room in wonderment.
"How you've altered it! The Vavasours made it hideous.

But I've only been in this room twice before, though my people have lived here thirty years.

We were never smart enough for Lady Emily." He colored as he spoke, and Diana suspected in him a memory of small past humiliations.

Evidently he was sensitive as well as shy.
"Hard work--dear young man!" she said, with a smile, and a stretch, as the door closed upon him.

"But after all--_'que j'aime le militaire'!_ Now, shall we go back to work ?" There were still some books to unpack.