e extravagant inventions of a fashion bent on ruinous
expenditure,--were there; fans sparkling with rubies, riding-whips
incrusted with turquoises, slippers studded over with pearls. There was
nothing wanting; even richly carved meerschaums and walking-sticks were
paraded, in the hope that as objects of art and elegance they might
attract her favor. Her father had found her dazzled and delighted by
all this splendor, and told her that one of the first duties of her high
station was the encouragement of art. "It is to you, and such as you,
these people look for patronage," said he. "An English peeress is a
princess, and must dispense her wealth generously."

I am bound to acknowledge, her Ladyship did not shrink from this
responsibility of her station. Without caring for the cost,--as often
without even inquiring the price,--she selected what she wished; and
rows of pearls, diamond bracelets, rings, and head ornaments covered her
dressing-table, while sable and Astrakan cloaks, cashmeres, and Genoa
velvets littered every corner of the room. "After all," thought she, as
she fixed a jewelled comb in her hair, "it is very nice to be rich; and
while delighting yourself you can make so many others happy."

Doubtless, too, there was some reason in the reflection; and in
the smiling faces and grateful glances around her she found a ready
confirmation of the sentiment. Happily for her at the moment, she did
not know how soon such pleasures pall, and, as happily for ourselves,
too, is it the law of our being that they should do so, and that no
enjoyment is worth the name which has cost no effort to procure, nor
any happiness a boon which has not demanded an exertion to arrive at.
If Beecher was startled at the sight of all these costly purchases,
his mind was greatly relieved as Grog whispered him that Herr Koch, the
banker, had opened a credit for him, on which he might draw as freely
as he pleased. The word "Lackington" was a talisman which suddenly
converted a sea of storm and peril into a lovely lake only ruffled by a
zephyr.

At last the pleasant dinner drew to a close; and as the coffee was
brought in, the noise of a carriage beneath the windows attracted them.

"That's _my_ trap," said Davis; "I ordered it for half past eight,
exactly."

"But there 's no train at this hour," began Lizzy.

"I know that; but I mean to post all night, and reach Carlsruhe for
the first departure in the morning. I 'm due in London on Mond