ked him for those tones, and
forgot that he had no talents. Acquaintances remembered Mr. Swancourt by
his manner; they remembered Stephen Smith by his face, Lord Luxellian by
his laugh.

Mr. Swancourt made some friendly remarks--among others things upon the
heat.

'Yes,' said Lord Luxellian, 'we were driving by a furrier's window this
afternoon, and the sight filled us all with such a sense of suffocation
that we were glad to get away. Ha-ha!' He turned to Elfride. 'Miss
Swancourt, I have hardly seen or spoken to you since your literary feat
was made public. I had no idea a chiel was taking notes down at quiet
Endelstow, or I should certainly have put myself and friends upon our
best behaviour. Swancourt, why didn't you give me a hint!'

Elfride fluttered, blushed, laughed, said it was nothing to speak of,
&c. &c.

'Well, I think you were rather unfairly treated by the PRESENT, I
certainly do. Writing a heavy review like that upon an elegant trifle
like the COURT OF KELLYON CASTLE was absurd.'

'What?' said Elfride, opening her eyes. 'Was I reviewed in the PRESENT?'

'Oh yes; didn't you see it? Why, it was four or five months ago!'

'No, I never saw it. How sorry I am! What a shame of my publishers! They
promised to send me every notice that appeared.'

'Ah, then, I am almost afraid I have been giving you disagreeable
information, intentionally withheld out of courtesy. Depend upon it
they thought no good would come of sending it, and so would not pain you
unnecessarily.'

'Oh no; I am indeed glad you have told me, Lord Luxellian. It is quite a
mistaken kindness on their part. Is the review so much against me?' she
inquired tremulously.

'No, no; not that exactly--though I almost forget its exact purport
now. It was merely--merely sharp, you know--ungenerous, I might say. But
really my memory does not enable me to speak decidedly.'

'We'll drive to the PRESENT office, and get one directly; shall we,
papa?'

'If you are so anxious, dear, we will, or send. But to-morrow will do.'

'And do oblige me in a little matter now, Elfride,' said Lord Luxellian
warmly, and looking as if he were sorry he had brought news that
disturbed her. 'I am in reality sent here as a special messenger by my
little Polly and Katie to ask you to come into our carriage with them
for a short time. I am just going to walk across into Piccadilly, and
my wife is left alone with them. I am afraid they are rather spoilt
children; but I