there is anything higher in
all Europe. Papa says that the Di Crinolas have always
been doing something in Italy in the way of politics, or
rebellion, or fighting. So it isn't as though they were
all washed out and no longer of any account, like some of
those we read of in history. Therefore I _do_ think that
you must be a _very happy girl_.

I do feel _so completely snuffed out_, because, after all,
the title of Merioneth was only conferred in the time
of _Charles the Second_. And though there _was_ a Lord
Llwddythlw before that, even he was only created by
_James the First_. The Powells no doubt are a very old
Welsh family, and it is supposed that there was some
relationship between them and the Tudors. But what is that
to be compared to the _mediaeval honours_ of the _great
House of Di Crinola?_

Papa seems to think that he will not have _much_ fortune.
I am one of those who do not think that a large income is
at all to be compared to good birth in the way of giving
_real position_ in the world. Of course the Duke's estates
are supposed to be _enormous_, and Llwddythlw, _even as an
eldest son_, is a rich man; but as far as I can see there
is nothing but trouble comes from it. If he has anything
to do with a provincial town in the way of _rents_ he is
expected to lay the _first brick_ of every church and
institute about the place. If anything has to be _opened_
he has to _open_ it; and he is never allowed to eat his
dinner without having to make _two or three speeches
before and afterwards_. That's what I call a _great bore_.
As far as I can see you will be always able to have your
duke with you, because he will have no abominable public
duties to look after.

I suppose something will have to be _done_ as to an
_income_. Llwddythlw seems to think that he ought to get
into Parliament. At least that is what he said to papa
the other day; for I have not seen him myself for ever so
long. He calls in the Square every Sunday just as we have
done lunch, and never remains _above two minutes_. Last
Sunday we had not heard of this _glorious_ news; but papa
did see him one day at the House, and that was what he
said. I don't see how he is to get into the House _if he
is an Italian Duke_, and I don't know _what_ he'd get by
going there. Papa says that he might be employed in some
_diplomatic_ p