Ernest William Hornung

“ Gladys came under this very desirable influence at a favourable moment, and in precisely the right frame of mind to profit most by it. And profit she did. As she herself had predicted, no miracle was wrought; she did not become everything that she ought to have been in a day; but several small alterations of manner, all of them for the better, did very quickly take place.
The Bride felt her feet at last. Then, becoming thoroughly in touch with Lady Bligh, she waxed bold in a less approachable direction, and with the best results. ”

“ But I think Gladys would be content to do nothing much to-morrow, perhaps.'
'Alfred,' said Lady Bligh, severely, 'Gladys tells me you have never once had her in the Park! How is that?'
'I—well, the fact is, I'm such a duffer in the very swagger part of the town,' said poor Alfred; 'and I never did know the run of the parks properly.'
'Then you shall drive with Gladys and me, and learn. It is getting near the end of the season, when every day makes a difference. So, not to lose another day, we'll drive in to-morrow. This is my happy thought! ”

“ Lady Bligh regarded him shrewdly; but she was not entirely astonished at this complete change of opinion. She, too, had seen Gladys's longing, far-away expression in church. She, too, remembered it.
'Well, she will be less dull during the next few days than just lately,' said Lady Bligh, after a slight pause. 'On Tuesday, to begin with, there is this garden-party of ours; a dull thing enough in itself, but the people may amuse Gladys. On Wednesday, there is to be the Opera for her, at last. Thursday and Friday you must boat and drive. ”