ABSTRACT
Notwithstanding Lady Annabel’s reserved demeanour, Plantagenet Cadurcis, supported by the presence of his cousin, who he had discovered to be a favourite of that lady, ventured to call upon her the next day, but she was out. They were to meet, however, at dinner, where Cadurcis determined to omit no opportunity to propitiate her. At dinner he was seated next to Lady Annabel, and it was impossible for any person to be more deferential, soft, and insinuating. He spoke of old days with emotion which he did not attempt to suppress; he alluded to the present with infinite delicacy. Cadurcis ground his teeth; a dark look came over him which, when once it rose on his brow, was with difficulty dispelled; and for the remainder of dinner he continued silent and gloomy. He was, however, not unobserved by Venetia. She had watched his evident attempts to conciliate her mother, with lively interest; she had witnessed their failure with sincere sorrow.
