Fortune, however, to-night seemed resolved on making full amends to a beauty cut short in the first flush of success, and sent to waste two of her prettiest years in the dull seclusion of an old house in the country.

"What blooming simplicity!" exclaimed Lord Townshend.

"Positive milk of roses!" exclaimed Lady Mary Wortley Montague: but the sneer passed unheeded; and Lord Townshend, crossing the room, entreated Mrs. Courtenaye to present him to her lovely young friend.