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 She does not sing generally at large parties, but she could not refuse me, nobody does, so remember that, young ladies."

At this juncture the Baroness was interrupted by the rapid entrance of Lord Chester, who could not resist having a look at the owner of the grey horses; though Blanche had charged him not to be drawn into an acquaintance with 'that overpowering woman" on any account.

"Now, Hopkinson, are you ready?" he said, with a sort of sweeping bow to the whole party. "I am sorry to hurry you, but we must be off; and I had hardly time to run in, but my Lady charged me to say, Mrs. Hopkinson, that she cannot accept your excuse, and has thrown your note into the fire, and we expect you all—mind what I say—all, at half past seven, so, no more nonsense about it."

"Well, my Lord, you may expect, but you will not get me to come to one of your grand late dinners; they are quite out of