. Jessop were the
noblest in the land. He, poor man, was all bows and scrapes and pretty
speeches, in the which came more than the usual amount of references to
the time which had made his fortune, the day when Her Majesty Queen
Charlotte had done him the honour to be graciously taken ill in passing
through Norton Bury. Mrs. Jessop seemed to wear her honours as hostess
to an earl's daughter very calmly indeed. She performed the ordinary
courtesies, and then went over to talk with Mr. Brithwood. In their
conversation I sought in vain the name of Ursula.

So it ended--the sickening expectation which I had read in the lad's
face all day. He would not see her--perhaps it was best. Yet my heart
bled when I looked at him. But such thoughts could not be indulged in
now, especially as Mrs. Jessop's quick eyes seemed often upon him or
me, with an expression that I could not make out at all, save that in
such a good woman, whom Miss March so well loved, could lurk nothing
evil or unkindly.

So I tried to turn my attention to the Brithwoods. One could not
choose but look at her, this handsome Lady Caroline, whom half Norton
Bury adored, the other half pursed up their lips at the mention of--but
these were of the number she declined to "know." All that she did
know--all that came within her influence, were irresistibly attracted,
for to please seemed a part of her nature. To-night nearly every one
present stole gradually into the circle round her; men and women alike
charmed by the fascination of her ripe beauty, her lively manner, her
exquisite smile and laugh.

I wondered what John thought of Lady Caroline Brithwood. She could not
easily see him, even though her acute glance seemed to take in
everything and everybody in the room. But on her entrance John had
drawn back a little, and our half-dozen of fellow-guests, who had been
conversing with him, crept shyly out of his way; as if, now the visible
reality appeared, they were aghast at the great gulf that lay between
John Halifax the tanner and the Brithwoods of the Mythe. A few even
looked askance at our hostess, as though some terrible judgment must
fall upon poor ignorant Mrs. Jessop, who had dared to amalgamate such
opposite ranks.

So it came to pass, that while everybody gathered round the Brithwoods
John and I stood alone, and half concealed by the window.

Very soon I heard Lady Caroline's loud whisper;

"Mrs. Jessop, my good friend, one moment. Where