She was vexed with herself for playing into Sylvia's hands, though she had only done so in what she regarded as George's interest.

If Sylvia married Bland, the blow would no doubt be a heavy one to George, but it would be better for him in the end.
In the meanwhile, the car sped on up the valley until it reached an ancient house built on to a great square tower, where Bland was welcomed by a lady of high importance in the district.

Afterward he was familiarly greeted by several of her guests, which Sylvia, who had strong ambitions, duly noticed; these people occupied a different station from the one in which she had hitherto moved.

When Bland was called away from her, she was shown to a place at some distance from Mrs.Kettering's party, and she sat down and looked about with interest.

From the smooth lawn and still glowing borders before the old gray house, a meadow ran down to the river that wandered, gleaming, through the valley, and beyond it the brown moors cut against the clear blue sky.