Laura to the very life, to every little trick of carriage and manner was the highborn gentlewoman visiting the home of a dependent. Nothing could have been more dignified, more gracious, more gracefully condescending than her poise. She dramatised not only her role, but the whole of her surroundings. The interior of the little cottage seemed to define itself with almost visible distinctness the moment she set foot upon the scene.

Gerardy tiptoed from group to group, whispering:

“Eh? Very fine, our duchess. She would do well professionally.”

But Mrs. Wessels was not altogether convinced. Her eyes following her niece, she said to Corthell:

“It’s Laura’s ‘grand manner.’ My word, I know her in that part. That’s the way she is when she comes down to the parlor of an evening, and Page introduces her to one of her young men.”