Beyond the Rocks

A certain number of men stared--stared with deep interest, and made

plans for introductions as soon as the crowd should subside a little.

Theodora was perfectly dressed, and her jewels caused envy in numbers of

breasts.

She was too little occupied with herself to feel any of Josiah's

humiliation. This society was hers by right of birth, and did not

disconcert her; only no one could help being lonely when quite

neglected, while others danced.

Presently, a thin, ill-tempered-looking old man made his way with

difficulty up to their corner; he had been speaking to Mrs. Devlyn

across the room.

"I must introduce myself," he said, graciously, to Theodora. "I am your

uncle, Patrick Fitzgerald, and I am so delighted to meet you and make

your acquaintance."

Theodora bowed without empressement. She had no feeling for these

relations who had been so indifferent to her while she was poor and who

had treated darling papa so badly.

"I only got back to town last night, or I and my wife would have called

at Claridge's before this," he continued. And then he said something

affable to Josiah, who looked strangely out of place among this

brilliant throng.

For whatever may compose the elements of the highest London society, the

atoms all acquire a certain air after a little, and if within this fine

fleur of the aristocracy there lurked some Jews and Philistines and

infidels of the middle classes, they were not quite new to the game, and

had all received their gloss. So poor Josiah stood out rather by

himself, and Sir Patrick Fitzgerald felt a good deal ashamed of him.

Theodora's fine senses had perceived all this long ago--the contrast her

husband presented to the rest of the world--and it had made her stand

closer to him and treat him with more deference than usual; her generous

heart always responded to any one or anything in an unhappy position.

And through all his thick skin Josiah felt something of her tenderness,

and glowed with pride in her.

Sir Patrick Fitzgerald continued to talk, and even paid his niece some

bluff compliments. Her manner was so perfect, he decided! Gad! he could

be proud of his new-found relation. And though the husband was nothing

but a grocer still, and looked it every inch, by Jove, he was rich

enough to gild his vulgarity and be tolerated among the highest.

Thus the uncle was gushing and lavish in his invitations and offers of

friendship. They must come to Beechleigh for Whitsuntide. He would hear

of no refusal. Going home! Oh, what nonsense! Home was a place one could

go to at any time. And he would so like to show them Beechleigh at its

best, where her father had lived all his young life.