Even a little snob like myself can see that there is, in this desire of theirs, no motive except affection for you and for Shiela; and, in a way, it's rather humiliating to recognise that they don't care a fig for the social advantage that must, automatically, accrue to the House of Cardross through such connections.
"I never thought that I should so earnestly hope for such an alliance for you; but I do, Garry.

They are such simple folk with all their riches--simple as gentle folk--kind, sincere, utterly without self-consciousness, untainted by the sordid social ambitions which make so many of the wealthy abhorrent.

There is no pretence about them, nothing of that uncertainty of self mingled with vanity which grows into arrogance or servility as the social weather-vane veers with the breeze of fashion.

Rather flowery that, for an old-fashioned spinster.
"But, dear, there are other flowers than those of speech eloquent in the soft Southern air--flowers everywhere outside my open window where I sit writing you.
"I miss Virginia, but Shiela compensates when she can find time from her breathless pleasure chase to give me an hour or two at tea-time.
"And Cecile, too, is very charming, and I know she likes me.

Such a coquette! She has her own court among the younger set; and from her very severe treatment of young Gatewood on all occasions I fancy she may be kinder to him one day.
"Mrs.Carrick is not here this winter, her new baby keeping her in town; and Acton, of course, is only too happy to remain with her.
"As for Gray, he is a nice boy--a little slow, a trifle shy and retiring and over-studious; but his devotion to Shiela makes me love him.