and come back to
luncheon--you belong to your belongings, my dear, and are not better
than the rest of the world:--very good-looking, as you know perfectly
well, and not very good-tempered. It is lucky that Kew is. Calm your
temper, at least before marriage; such a prize does not fall to a
pretty girl's lot every day. Why, you sent him away quite seared by your
cruelty; and if he is not playing at roulette, or at billiards, I dare
say he is thinking what a little termagant you are, and that he had beat
pause while it is yet time. Before I was married, your poor grandfather
never knew I had a temper; of after-days I say nothing; but trials are
good for all of us, and he bore his like an angel."

Lady Kew, too, on this occasion at least, was admirably good-humoured.
She also when it was necessary could put a restraint on her temper, and,
having this match very much at heart, chose to coax and to soothe her
granddaughter rather than to endeavour to scold and frighten her.

"Why do you desire this marriage so much, grandmamma," the girl asked.
"My cousin is not very much in love,--at least I should fancy not," she
added, blushing. "I am bound to own Lord Kew is not in the least eager,
and I think if you were to tell him to wait for five years he would be
quite willing. Why should you be so very anxious?"

"Why, my dear? Because I think young ladies who want to go and work in
the fields, should make hay while the sun shines; because I think it is
high time that Kew should ranger himself; because I am sure he will make
the best husband, and Ethel the prettiest Countess in England." And
the old lady, seldom exhibiting any signs of affection, looked at her
granddaughter very fondly. From her Ethel looked up into the glass,
which very likely repeated on its shining face the truth her elder
had just uttered. Shall we quarrel with the girl for that dazzling
reflection; for owning that charming truth, and submitting to the
conscious triumph? Give her her part of vanity, of youth, of desire to
rule and be admired. Meanwhile Mr. Clive's drawings have been crackling
in the fireplace at her feet, and the last spark of that combustion is
twinkling out unheeded.

CHAPTER XXXIII. Lady Kew at the Congress

When Lady Kew heard that Madame d'Ivry was at Baden, and was informed at
once of the French lady's graciousness towards the Newcome family, and
of her fury against Lord Kew, the old Countess gave a loose to that
energetic t