Miss Pink met Isabel in the hall.  Refreshed by unbroken repose, the ex-schoolmistress was in the happiest frame of mind for the reception of her niece’s news.

Informed that Moody had travelled to South Morden to personally report the progress of the inquiries, Miss Pink highly approved of him as a substitute for Mr. Troy.  “Mr. Moody, as a banker’s son, is a gentleman by birth,” she remarked; “he has condescended, in becoming Lady Lydiard’s steward.  What I saw of him, when he came here with you, prepossessed me in his favor.  He has my confidence, Isabel, as well as yours—­he is in every respect a superior person to Mr. Troy.  Did you meet any friends, my dear, when you were out walking?”

The answer to this question produced a species of transformation in Miss Pink.  The rapturous rank-worship of her nation feasted, so to speak, on Hardyman’s message.  She looked taller and younger than usual—­she was all smiles and sweetness.  “At last, Isabel, you have seen birth and breeding under their right aspect,” she said.  “In the society of Lady Lydiard, you cannot possibly have formed correct ideas of the English aristocracy.  Observe Mr. Hardyman when he does me the honor to call to-morrow—­and you will see the difference.”

“Mr. Hardyman is your visitor, aunt—­not mine.  I was going to ask you to let me remain upstairs in my room.”

Miss Pink was unaffectedly shocked.  “This is what you learn at Lady Lydiard’s!” she observed.  “No, Isabel, your absence would be a breach of good manners—­I cannot possibly permit it.  You will be present to receive our distinguished friend with me.  And mind this!” added Miss Pink, in her most impressive manner, “If Mr. Hardyman should by any chance ask why you have left Lady Lydiard, not one word about those disgraceful circumstances which connect you with the loss of the banknote!  I should sink into the earth if the smallest hint of what has really happened should reach Mr. Hardyman’s ears.  My child, I stand towards you in the place of your lamented mother; I have the right to command your silence on this horrible subject, and I do imperatively command it.”

In these words foolish Miss Pink sowed the seed for the harvest of trouble that was soon to come.

CHAPTER XVI.

PAYING his court to the ex-schoolmistress on the next day, Hardyman made such excellent use of his opportunities that the visit to the stud-farm took place on the day after.  His own carriage was placed at the disposal of Isabel and her aunt; and his own sister was present to confer special distinction on the reception of Miss Pink.