In her own sphere at the Court, or in points connected with what was due to the family, or to Lord Maxwell especially, as the head of it, this short, capable old lady could hold her own amply with Aldous's betrothed, could maintain, indeed, a sharp and caustic dignity, which kept Marcella very much in order.

Miss Raeburn, on the defensive, was strong; but when it came to attacking Marcella's own ideas and proceedings, Lord Maxwell's sister became shrewdly conscious of her own weaknesses.

She had no wish to measure her wits on any general field with Marcella's.

She said to herself that the girl was too clever and would talk you down.
Meanwhile, things went untowardly in various ways.

Marcella disciplined herself before the Gairsley meeting, and went thither resolved to give Aldous as much sympathy as she could.