ut
celebrated capital; musicians known by fame to everybody, but whom
nobody had ever heard. They played wonderfully on instruments of new
invention, and divinely upon old ones. It was impossible that anything
could be more gay and inspiring than their silver bugles, and their
carillons of tinkling bells.

They found an echo in the heart of Sidney Wilton, who, seated near
the entrance of the ball-room, watched every arrival with anxious
expectation. But the anxiety vanished for a moment under the influence
of the fantastic and frolic strain. It seemed a harbinger of happiness
and joy. He fell into a reverie, and wandered with a delightful
companion in castles of perpetual sunshine, and green retreats, and
pleasant terraces.

But the lady never came.

"Where can your sister be?" said Lady Montfort to Endymion. "She
promised me to come early; something must have happened. Is she ill?"

"Quite well; I saw her before I left Hill Street. She wished me to come
alone, as she would not be here early.

"I hope she will be in time for the royal supper table; I quite count on
her."

"She is sure to be here."

Lord Hainault was in earnest conversation with Baron Sergius, now the
minister of King Florestan at the Court of St. James'. It was a wise
appointment, for Sergius knew intimately all the English statesmen of
eminence, and had known them for many years. They did not look upon him
as the mere representative of a revolutionary and parvenu sovereign; he
was quite one of themselves, had graduated at the Congress of Vienna,
and, it was believed, had softened many subsequent difficulties by his
sagacity. He had always been a cherished guest at Apsley House, and it
was known the great duke often consulted him. "As long as Sergius sways
his councils, He will indulge in no adventures," said Europe. "As long
as Sergius remains here, the English alliance is safe," said England.
After Europe and England, the most important confidence to obtain was
that of Lord Hainault, and Baron Sergius had not been unsuccessful in
that respect.

"Your master has only to be liberal and steady," said Lord Hainault,
with his accustomed genial yet half-sarcastic smile, "and he may have
anything he likes. But we do not want any wars; they are not liked in
the City."

"Our policy is peace," said Sergius.

"I think we ought to congratulate Sir Peter," said Mr. Waldershare to
Adriana, with whom he had been dancing, and whom he was leading back to