Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/153

Rh moment she caught sight of Mrs. Palmer, she seized her arm and drew her into a corner, overcome with many memories of all that had passed since her wedding, impatient to converse of her sisters and with them, more particularly Georgiana, who being nearest her own age, had been most closely associated in all her childhood's history, and under existing circumstances was especially interesting. Indeed, nothing could be spoken of in the room but the return of the Thetis, and since no one had got later particulars than the travellers appeared to have picked up at Cherbourg, the little they could tell was eagerly sought after, until Mr. Palmer appeared with the second edition of an evening paper in his pocket, which made him the observed of all observers, especially as he had seen a person who had seen a score of the crew, and heard from them such praise of their wonderful young captain as pointed him out as a man whom the sovereign must delight to honour. Poor Georgiana's whole existence was a blush. She blushed for modesty, for pride, for thankfulness, and for love. In the midst of Mr. Palmer's news came the Marquis of Wentworthdale, leaning on the arm of his nephew. Lady Anne declared to her eldest daughter that it was really overcoming, and would, she feared, oblige her to retire sooner than she intended. "I could have