endour were opened to those who in London had extended
to many of their order a graceful and abounding hospitality. It was with
difficulty, however, that they persuaded Lady Montfort to honour with
her presence the embassy of her own court.

"I dined with those people once," she said to Endymion, "but I confess
when I thought of those dear Granvilles, their _entrees_ stuck in my
throat."

There was, however, no lack of diplomatic banquets for the successor
of Louise of Savoy. The splendid hotel of the Count of Ferroll was the
scene of festivals not to be exceeded in Paris, and all in honour of
this wondrous dame. Sometimes they were feasts, sometimes they were
balls, sometimes they were little dinners, consummate and select,
sometimes large receptions, multifarious and amusing. Her pleasure was
asked every morn, and whenever she was disengaged, she issued orders to
his devoted household. His boxes at opera or play were at her constant
disposal; his carriages were at her command, and she rode, in his
society, the most beautiful horses in Paris.

The Count of Ferroll had wished that both ladies should have taken up
their residence at his mansion.

"But I think we had better not," said Lady Montfort to Myra. "After all,
there is nothing like 'my crust of bread and liberty,' and so I think we
had better stay at the Bristol."

CHAPTER LXXIV

"Go and talk to Adriana," said Lady Roehampton to her brother. "It seems
to me you never speak to her."

Endymion looked a little confused.

"Lady Montfort has plenty of friends here," his sister continued. "You
are not wanted, and you should always remember those who have been our
earliest and kindest friends."

There was something in Lady Roehampton's words and look which rather
jarred upon him. Anything like reproach or dissatisfaction from those
lips and from that countenance, sometimes a little anxious but always
affectionate, not to say adoring, confused and even agitated him. He was
tempted to reply, but, exercising successfully the self-control which
was the result rather of his life than of his nature, he said nothing,
and, in obedience to the intimation, immediately approached Miss
Neuchatel.

About this time Waldershare arrived at Paris, full of magnificent dreams
which he called plans. He was delighted with his office; it was much the
most important in the government, and more important because it was not
in the cabinet. Well managed, it was power without res