Concert Pitch

his position. Looking at him as he posed before the looking-glass a little dramatically for her benefit, she thought, if the choice were given to her, the girl would certainly prefer him to Lord Calingford, even if she knew nothing of the reputation of either of them. The new Earl of Lyssons was very tall, if rather too thin; he had black hair that would not be smooth, and an eyeglass which, since it never kept in its place, made him appear restless and not very wise. He was for ever taking it off and putting it on again; it fitted badly, and, as he tried to screw it in for greater safety, it made a red mark, and his indeterminate features, soft and plastic, went awry and out of drawing. He had a habit of saying things without any apparent meaning. Lady Sallust sometimes thought he was very clever and very deep, and might be a great force; whilst at other times she wavered, and doubted if he were completely sane, if he were " all there." She admitted that, although she had always been fond of him, she was unable to understand him. Now he stood before the glass and pretended to doubt whether Manuella Wagner would look upon him favourably ! What was the use of disregarding first principles ? Wavering as to his complete sanity, Lady Sallust assured him that very young girls were not, as a rule, hard to please, they fell in love with the first man who paid them any attention. " And if you are backed up by her people, other men kept at a distance ..." Then, he... --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.