Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/240

238 would have done nothing for me in this case; my wealth, no more; for, despite of the opposition, I do not think Sir Robert would have allowed me to offer a pair of diamond earrings, even with his favourite daughter in the background: but I flung myself on a woman's best prerogative, and mes beaux yeux have settled the matter at once for me. Ethel, why don't you thank me for having made such good use of them?" Pale and agitated, Ethel could scarcely force a smile; and, to divert her attention from the dreaded interview, Lady Marchmont began to notice the objects around them. The window opened towards a most lovely garden, whose smooth turf and gorgeous parterres swept down to the river. A peacock stood on the grass lawn, his brilliant plumage expanded in the sunshine, while every movement shewed some change of colour. Beyond, as if to shew the infinite variety of beauty, floated two swans; they were coming to shore, in the full glory of their arching necks and snowy wings. No marvel that the ancient Greeks,