ay. The manner most natural to me, is
one rather open and easy; but I pique myself peculiarly upon a certain
(though occasional) air, which keeps impertinence aloof; in fine, I am
by no means a person with whom others would lightly take a liberty,
or to whom they would readily offer or resent an affront. This day I
assumed a double quantum of dignity, in entering a room which I well
knew must be filled with my enemies; there were a few women round Lady
Chester, and as I always feel reassured by a sight of the dear sex, I
walked towards them.

Judge of my delight, when I discovered amongst the group, Lady Harriett
Garrett. It is true that I had no particular predilection for that lady,
but the sight of a negress I had seen before, I should have hailed
with rapture in so desolate and inhospitable a place. If my pleasure at
seeing Lady Harriett was great, her's seemed equally so at receiving
my salutation. She asked me if I knew Lady Chester--and on my negative
reply, immediately introduced me to that personage. I now found myself
quite at home; my spirits rose, and I exerted every nerve to be as
charming as possible. In youth, to endeavour is to succeed.

I gave a most animated account of the canine battle, interspersed with
various sarcasms on the owners of the combatants, which were by no means
ill-received either by the marchioness or her companions; and, in fact,
when the dinner was announced, they all rose in a mirth, sufficiently
unrestrained to be any thing but patrician: for my part, I offered my
arm to Lady Harriett, and paid her as many compliments on crossing the
suite that led to the dining-room, as would have turned a much wiser
head than her ladyship's.

The dinner went off agreeably enough, as long as the women stayed, but
the moment they quitted the room, I experienced exactly the same feeling
known unto a mother's darling, left for the first time at that strange,
cold, comfortless place--ycleped a school.

I was not, however, in a mood to suffer my flowers of oratory to blush
unseen. Besides, it was absolutely necessary that I should make a better
impression upon my host. I leant, therefore, across the table, and
listened eagerly to the various conversations afloat: at last I
perceived, on the opposite side, Sir Lionel Garrett, a personage whom
I had not before even inquired after, or thought of. He was busily and
noisily employed in discussing the game-laws. Thank Heaven, thought I, I
shall be on fir