A Monthly Magazine OF LIGHT AND AMUSING LITERATURE FOR THE HOURS OF RELAXATION. VOLUME LII. LONDON: F. V. WHITE & CO., 31, SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND, W.C LONDON SOCIETY. JULY, 1887. 66 A LIFE INTEREST. BY MRS. ALEXANDER. 99 66 AUTHOR OF THE WOOING O'T," "AT BAY," BY WOMAN'S WIT," ETC. L CHAPTER X. MARJORY IN OFFICE. ANGFORD PRIORY was not a grand place; it was a comfortable, unpretending residence, having been originally little better than a large farmhouse, to which successive occupants had added as their requirements grew. The name really belonged to some beautiful ruins which were separated from the dwelling by the grounds and a flower-garden. The situation was pleasant, sheltered behind by a wooded height; the ground sloped gently in front to an excellent trout stream, and rose again in soft swelling downs to a low range of hills which stretched to the west; while on the other side was a wide district of woodland belonging to a neighbouring nobleman. The estate of Langford was not large. Mr. Carteret's fortune was principally derived from other sources, and he was not likely to diminish it. Mrs. Carteret was well born as well as wealthy, and generally considered by society a very nice woman. Those who knew her more intimately were often puzzled to make up their minds whether she were a shrewd observer or a fool, a mere automaton or a woman of taste and character. She hated trouble and delighted in dress-these were her two most salient points. She spent a great deal of money on herself; but now and then she would surprise every one by an act of unexpected generosity. That she was by no means weak in some directions none knew so well as her husband; she never quarrelled with him or interfered with him, but she went steadily her own way, and even occasionally influenced his actions. Each had a thorough contempt for the pursuits of the other; but they did not display VOL. LII. NO. CCCVII. B |