ait."

"My father was so far wise, my Lady, that he warned me of the reception
that awaited me in my new station; but, in his ignorance of that great
world, he gave me, rather, to believe that I should meet insinuated
slights and covert impertinences than open insults. Perhaps I owe it to
my vulgar origin that I really like the last the best; at least, they
show me that my enemies are not formidable."

"Your remarks have convinced me that it would be quite superfluous in me
to offer my protection to a lady so conversant with life and the world."

"They will, at least, serve to show your Ladyship that I would not have
accepted the protection."

"But, Lizzy dearest, you don't know what you are saying. Lady Georgina
can establish your position in society as none other can."

"I mean to do that without aid."

"Just as her father, Mr. Grog, would force his way into the
stand-house," whispered Lady Lackington, but still loud enough for Lizzy
to overhear.

"Not exactly as your Ladyship would illustrate it," said Lizzy, smiling;
"but, in seeing the amount of those gifts which have won the suffrages
of society, I own that I am not discouraged. I am told," said she,
with a great air of artlessness, "that no one is more popular than your
Ladyship."

Lady Lackington arose, and stared at her with a look of open insolence;
and then turning, whispered something in Beecher's ear.

"After all," muttered he, "_she_ did not begin it. Get your shawl,
Lizzy," added he, aloud; "my sister keeps early hours, and we must not
break in on them."

Lady Lackington and Lizzy courtesied to each other like ladies of high
comedy; it seemed, indeed, a sort of rivalry whose reverence should be
most formal and most deferential.

"Have n't you gone and done it!" cried Beecher, as they gained the
street. "Georgina will never forget this so long as she lives."

"And if she did I 'd take care to refresh her memory," said Lizzy,
laughing; and the mellow sounds rang out as if from a heart that never
knew a care.

"I shall require to set out for England to-morrow," said Beecher,
moodily, so soon as they had reached the hotel. The speech was uttered
to induce a rejoinder, but she made none.

"And probably be absent for several weeks," added he.

Still she never spoke, but seemed busily examining the embroidered
coronet on the corner of her handkerchief.

"And as circumstances require--I mean, as I shall be obliged to go
alone, and as it would