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124 "I see clearly," said Constance to her, the very morning of her party, "that society is as much a science as astronomy; and, also, that, like poetry, one must be born with a genius for it. What should I have done without you? After once satisfying my anxiety that Norbourne would return in time (he looks sadly fagged with his journey), there seemed to me nothing more to care about." "Why, my dear child, of all the people that you expect, your husband is of the least importance!" replied Henrietta, laughing. Constance shook her head, and smiled, as she answered,— "Give me Norbourne, my father, and yourself, and I should be only too glad to see none beside. A crowd frightens me: I feel so keenly among strangers that there is nothing in me to attract or to please, that I shrink, with sudden fear, back into the little circle who, I hope, will love me for the deep and exceeding love that I bear to them." "I am sure," exclaimed Lady Marchmont, passing her arm caressingly round Constance's