exaggeration and recklessness of style were unpleasing,
yet it really was frank and genuine, and Theodora's declaration that
Georgina was far preferable to Jane was less incomprehensible.

The evening was over, much to her relief; but there remained Theodora's
bold undertaking to tell Mrs. Finch of Percy's refusal to visit her.
Any one else would have let the subject drop, but Theodora thought
this would be shabby and cowardly, and was resolved not to shrink from
warning her friend.

She found Georgina looking over some cards of invitation, with an air of
great dissatisfaction, and almost the first words that greeted her were,
'Have you a card for Lady Albury's party?'

'Yes; I heard Violet ask Arthur if he should be at home for it.'

'Very strange! We left our cards, I know, yet they never asked us to
their party this week, and now seem to have missed us again. I wished
particularly to go, for one is sure to meet all that is worth seeing,
your knight among the rest. They are prim, strait-laced, exclusive
people themselves; but it is a house worth going to.'

'I did not remember that you knew them.'

'Oh! yes, we did; we used to be there pretty often when we lived with my
Uncle Edward; and it is not that they do not think my poor old man
good enough for them, for we went to their parties last year. So, Mrs.
Martindale has a card, you say!'

Theodora's colour rose as she said, 'Georgina, I am going to say what
no one else will tell you. It is not your marriage, but you must take
care--'

The crimson of Mrs. Finch's cheeks, and the precipitation with which she
started to her feet, would have disconcerted most persons; but Theodora,
though she cast down her eyes, spoke the more steadily. 'You must
be more guarded and reserved in manner if you wish to avoid unkind
remarks.'

'What--what--what?' cried Georgina, passionately; 'what can the most
ill-natured, the most censorious, accuse me of?'

'It is not merely the ill-natured,' said Theodora. 'I know very well
that you mean no harm; but you certainly have an air of trying to
attract attention.'

'Well, and who does not? Some do so more demurely and hypocritically
than others; but what else does any one go into company for? Do you
expect us all to act the happy couple, like Captain and Mrs. Martindale
the other night? You should have brought your own Percy to set us the
example!' said she, ending with a most unpleasant laugh.

'Georgina, you must not expect to