She thought of herself as the young peeress--Lord Maxwell after all was over seventy--her own white neck blazing with diamonds, the historic jewels of a great family--her will making law in this splendid house--in the great domain surrounding it.

What power--what a position--what a romance! She, the out-at-elbows Marcella, the Socialist, the friend of the people.

What new lines of social action and endeavour she might strike out! Miss Raeburn should not stop her.

She caressed the thought of the scandals in store for that lady.

Only it annoyed her that her dream of large things should be constantly crossed by this foolish delight, making her feet dance--in this mere prospect of satin gowns and fine jewels--of young and feted beauty holding its brilliant court.