"HIGH LIFE." 57

without any sign, agonies of mauvais honte and of incipient
home sickness. It was the first time that she had been away
among strangers without either her mother or her governess.
She was naturally timid, and she had only recently recovered
from a bad illness which had shaken her nerves. Everything
was strange and overwhelming to her; even the sound of her
own titled name startled her, seeing that she was accustomed
to be called Peggy at home.
 The countess was very kind, and De Vaux looked a freux
chevalier; but Lady Margaret did not know them, and they
did not know her. She could not tell in the least how they
should ever become acquainted, or how she should get over the
weeks she must spend at the castle. But mamma had wished
her to come. Berry had said the change would be good for
her, and she knew she was a silly, spoilt girl. No doubt the
trial was beneficial, and she ought to make the best of it.
 The best was within the reach of a creature so humble, so
full of good-will and generous enthusiasm, in spite of her
bashfulness and nervousness. In a marvellously short time
Lady Margaret began to be reconciled to her situation, and to
get the better of its disadvantages. Every day she was a
fresh surprise to my lady and De Vaux-she opened up into
such brightness and bonniness, as well as sweetness, before
their admiring eyes.
 The girl's health was profiting by the change, combined
with the friendliness of her entertainers. She was coming out
in her natural colours of innocent trustfulness and happiness.
My lady was getting as fond of her as if Lady Margaret had
been the countess's daughter.
 Lady Margaret was a perpetual wonder to De Vaux, after
 H