Page:Lady Anne Granard 2.pdf/200

198 tone, and with that peculiar suavity of manner which conveys to the person so addressed an assurance of high esteem and regard, a certainty of generous sympathy in your troubles, and a cordial acceptance of it. The ice melted away which had encrusted the viscount's manners; he thought Lady Anne had seen her error, and was anxious to make l'amende honorable. The bride was charmed by being told that, after going the round, he should most probably come back; therefore he requested her to take care of his property, which was readily undertaken; and every other pair of hand-screens, painted by the industrious and affectionate Helen, were instantly disposed of, the tide running most evidently in Lady Anne's favour. So remarkably, indeed, did it now set in, that poor Lady Penrhyn lost all her lions, and, after watching in vain for someone with whom to flirt, consigned her charge to her friends, and tripped to the stand of Lady Anne, in order to assist her in disposing of those articles which had been discovered by this time to be really the best in the room. Of course she was a useful auxiliary, and the market became more and more crowded. The Duke of C, the Marquis of V, his son, a party of officers from the tenth, several strangers of distinction, diplomatists, great lawyers, including judges and bishops, naval officers of distinction, ladies of high rank, deputed by majesty, and at least two royal dukes, were amongst the crowd, which became so great that