Page:Romance & Reality 2.pdf/294

292 lose that only irreparable loss—present opportunity.

"We are arranging our return to the Castle: may we hope to number you among our visitors?" Algernon—O the pleasantness of self-deception!—immediately hoping that this was a tacit renunciation of her project, added his entreaties—Lorraine accepted. Alas! he took the borough so much for granted, that he never even thought about it; and the conversation for the next half hour turned on in different topics. Just as he was departing, Lady Etheringhame said:— "We are not quite disinterested in hoping you will come to Etheringhame: we want you to help us to canvass. Algernon has promised to do all he can to bring in my brother for Avondale." Edward turned to Lord Etheringhame, and read in his overpowering confusion confirmation. To hold our surprises in perfect subjection is one of the first lessons of society; and he now, with those helpful auxiliaries, pride and anger, controlled his to perfection. "So Lord Merton is to be our family representative!" (though society controls the