upid part
of the room,' she said, 'and Emma stands by her side with the air of a
martyr. They look like a pair of respectable country cousins set down
all astray, wishing for a safe corner to run into, and wondering at the
great and wicked world. And they go away inhumanly early, whereas if
I do have the trouble of dressing, it shall not be for nothing. I
ingeniously eluded all going out with them last year, and a great mercy
it was to them.'

So going to a royal ball was all Theodora vouchsafed to do under Lady
Elizabeth's protection; and as her objections could not be disclosed,
Violet was obliged to leave it to be supposed that it was for her own
gratification that she always accompanied her; although not only was the
exertion and the subsequent fatigue a severe tax on her strength, but
she was often uneasy and distressed by Theodora's conduct. Her habits in
company had not been materially changed by her engagement; she was
still bent on being the first object, and Violet sometimes felt that
her manner was hardly fair upon those who were ignorant of her
circumstances. For Theodora's own sake, it was unpleasant to see her in
conversation with Mr. Gardner; and not only on her account, but on
that of Lord St. Erme, was her uncertain treatment of him a vexation to
Violet.

Violet, to whom Theodora's lovers were wont to turn when suffering from
her caprice, was on very friendly terms with the young Earl. He used
to come and stand by her, and talk to her about Wrangerton, and seemed
quite amused and edified by her quiet enthusiasm for it, and for
Helvellyn, and her intimacy with all the pictures which he had sent home
and almost forgotten. His sister was another favourite theme; she was
many years younger than himself, and not yet come out; but he was very
desirous of introducing her to Mrs. and Miss Martindale; and Violet,
who had heard of Lady Lucy all her life, was much pleased when a day
was fixed for a quiet dinner at Mrs. Delaval's, the aunt with whom she
lived. How Mrs. Moss would enjoy hearing of it!

The day before was one of the first hot days of summer, and Violet was
so languid that she looked forward with dread to the evening, when
they were to go to a soiree at Mrs. Bryanstone's, and she lay nursing
herself, wishing for any pretence for declining it. Theodora coming in,
declared that her going was out of the question; but added, 'Georgina
Finch is to be there, she will call for me.'

'I shall be better w