This lorgnon was a new device of hers, and it was
already having the happy effect of increasing the sale of long-handled
lorgnons throughout the Five Towns.
"Oh! it's you, is it?" said the Countess. "I see you've grown a beard."
It was just this easy familiarity that endeared her to the district. As
observant people put it, you never knew what she would say next, and yet
she never compromised her dignity.
"Yes," said Denry. "Have you had an accident?"
"No," said the Countess, bitterly: "I'm doing this for idle amusement."
The horses had been taken out, and were grazing by the roadside like
common horses. The coachman was dipping his skirts in the mud as he bent
down in front of the carriage and twisted the pole to and fro and round
about and round about. The footman, Jock, was industriously watching
him.
"It's the pole-pin, sir," said Jock.
Denry descended from his own hammercloth. The Countess was not smiling.
It was the first time that Denry had ever seen her without an efficient
smile on her face.
"Have you got to be anywhere particular?" he asked. Many ladies would
not have understood what he meant.
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