Both of them were endowed with a very remarkable self-
possession; but Lady Joan wanted softness, and Lady Maud
repose.
This was the result of the rapid observation of Egremont, who
was however experienced in the world and quick in his
detection of manner and of character.
The dinner was stately, as becomes the high nobility. There
were many guests, yet the table seemed only a gorgeous spot in
the capacious chamber. The side tables were laden with silver
vases and golden shields arranged on shelves of crimson
velvet. The walls were covered with Fitz-Warenes, De
Mowbrays, and De Veres. The attendants glided about without
noise, and with the precision of military discipline. They
watched your wants, they anticipated your wishes, and they
supplied all you desired with a lofty air of pompous devotion.
"You came by the railroad?" enquired Lord de Mowbray
mournfully, of Lady Marney.
"From Marham; about ten miles from us," replied her ladyship.
"A great revolution!"
"Isn't it?"
"I fear it has a very dangerous tendency to equality," said
his lordship shaking his head; "I suppose Lord Marney gives
them all the opposition in his power."
"There is nobody so violent against railroads as George," said
Lady Marney; "I cannot tell you what he does not do! He
organized the whole of our division against the Marham line!"
"I rather counted on him," said Lord de Mowbray, to assist me
in resisting this joint branch here; but I was surprised to
learn he had consented.
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