Nor was her condescension without its reward, both
material and intellectual, for not only did Jennie pay her way with some
lavishness, but her immediate social success was flattering to Lady
Willow as the introducer of a Transatlantic cousin so bright and
vivacious.
So great an impression did Jennie make upon the more susceptible portion
of the young men she met under Lady Willow's chaperonage, that even the
rumour which got abroad, that she had no money, did not damp the devotion
of all of them. Lord Frederick Bingham was quite as assiduous in his
attentions as if she were the greatest heiress that ever crossed the
ocean to exchange dubiously won gold for a title founded by some thief in
the Middle Ages, thus bringing ancient and modern villainy into
juxtaposition.
Lady Willow saw Lord Frederick's preference with pleasurable surprise.
Although she did not altogether approve of the damsel in her care, she
had become very fond of her; but she failed to see why Jennie was so much
sought after, when other girls, almost as pretty and much more eligible,
were neglected. She hinted delicately to the young woman one day that
perhaps her visit to England would not be, after all, so futile.
'I don't think I understand you,' said Jennie.
'Well, my dear, with a little tact on your part, I'm not at all sure but
Lord Frederick Bingham might propose.'
Jennie, who was putting on her gloves, paused and looked at Lady Willow,
with a merry twinkle in her eyes, and a demure smile hovering about the
corners of her mouth.
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