tracts me to
damaged reputations, and as they have not yet found out any considerable
flaw in yours, they are puzzled, out of all measure, to know what it is
I see in you."

"I am overwhelmed by your flattery, madam," said he, trying to seem
amused; but, in spite of himself, showing some irritation.

"Not that," resumed she, in that quiet manner which showed that her
mind had gone off suddenly in another direction,--"not that I owe much
deference to the Bram-leighs, who, one and all, have treated me with
little courtesy. Marion behaved shamefully; that, of course, was to be
expected. To marry that odious old creature for a position implied how
she would abuse the position when she got it. As I said to Gusty, when
a young Oxford man gives five guineas for a mount, he does n't think he
has the worth of his money if he does n't smash his collar-bone. There,
put down that fan; you are making me feverish. Then the absurdity of
playing _peeress to me!_ How ashamed the poor old man was; he reddened
through all his rouge. Do you know," added she, in an excited manner,
"that she had the impertinence to compare her marriage with mine, and
say that at least rank and title were somewhat nobler ambitions than a
mere subsistence and a settlement. But I answered her. I told her,
'You have forgotten one material circumstance. I did not live with your
father!' Oh, yes! we exchanged a number of little courtesies of this
kind, and I was so sorry when I heard she had gone to Naples. I was only
getting into stride when the race was over. As to my settlement, I have
not the very vaguest notion who 'll pay it; perhaps it may be _you_.
Oh, of course I know the unutterable bliss; but you must really ask your
lawyer, how is my lien to be disposed of. Some one said to me the other
day that, besides the estate, you would have a claim for about eighty
thousand pounds."

"It was Longworth said so."

"I don't like your friend Longworth. Is he a gentleman?"

"Most unquestionably."

"Well, but I mean a born gentleman? I detest, and I distrust your
nature-made gentlemen, who, having money enough to 'get up' the part,
deem that quite sufficient I want the people whose families have given
guarantees for character during some generations. Six o'clock! only
think, you are here three mortal hours! I declare, sir, this must not
occur again; and I have to dress now. I dine at the Prince Cornarini's.
Do you go there?"

"I go nowhere, my Lady. I know no