Under stress Lady O'Moy could convey the sense that she felt deeply.
She could be almost theatrical in her displays of emotion. But
these were as transient as they were intense. Nothing that was not
immediately present to her senses was ever capable of a deep
impression upon her spirit, and she had the facility characteristic
of the self-loving and self-indulgent of putting aside any matter
that was unpleasant. Thus, easily self-persuaded, as we have seen,
that this escapade of Richard's was not to be regarded too seriously,
and that its consequences were not likely to be gave, she chattered
with gay inconsequence of other things - of the dinner-party last
week at the house of the Marquis of Minas, that prominent member of
the council of Regency, of the forthcoming ball to be given by the
Count of Redondo, of the latest news from home, the latest fashion
and the latest scandal, the amours of the Duke of York and the
shortcomings of Mr. Perceval.
Samoval, however, did not intend that the matter of her brother
should be so entirely forgotten, so lightly treated. Deliberately
at last he revived it.
Considering her as she leant upon the granite balustrade, her pink
sunshade aslant over her shoulder, her flimsy lace shawl festooned
from the crook of either arm and floating behind her, a wisp of
cloudy vapour, Samoval permitted himself a sigh.
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