breaking from it in haste. "It is not altogether that; she says that it
is impossible to be of us--that her birth forbids it, and any attempt at
equality could only end in humiliation. I cannot persuade her out of
this idea: entreat as I would, she refused utterly to come down. Then I
got grandmamma to urge it, and she did it beautifully, but it was no
use; and there the poor darling sits all alone, hearing the music and
our voices, as prisoners in their cells listen to bird songs through
windows in the walls. It is cruel! Why can't people be born all alike,
and go up and down according to their own merits, I wonder?"

"That is an American idea. You must have picked it up there in your
infancy, Lady Clara."

"I should not wonder. Some day I mean to go back there and see what
social equality is like."

"Oh, you will find no place on earth where your title will be of so much
value, Lady Clara," said Hilton, laughing.

"Well, that is because the Americans respect history, and associate us
with the great deeds of mutual ancestors. It is the romance of tradition
that interests them; for they are great readers, these Americans, and
know more of us, as a people, than we do of ourselves. We represent the
warriors and the statesmen which they have clothed in the poetry of
great deeds. If the nobility of this day disappoints them it is our own
fault. When they learn that our greatness consists only in titles, we
shall have little homage merely for them."

"What a strange little creature you are!"

"Yes, rather. It is our turn now."

After a little there was another long pause in the dance. Then Hilton
went back to the subject nearest to his heart.

"You could not possibly persuade her to come down--not here, but into
some of the less public rooms?" he said.

"Impossible. She would not think of it."

"Cruel!"

"Yes, I think so; but then, I would do exactly the same thing."

"What makes you start so, Clara?"

"Don't you see? There is Mr. Closs going up to grandmamma, and papa
standing close by her. Why, Lord Hope is speaking to him! How good! how
kind! They are both smiling; now, now, do look on mamma Rachael's
face--she sees them, and happiness makes her splendid! He is coming this
way. Understand now, I shall dance with him just as often as I can, and
you are to help me if I get into any trouble. Thank Heaven, this set is
over!"

"You are complimentary," laughed Lord Hilton.

"So I am; but you don't mind it.