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260 yesterday she told me she was well acquainted with Mr. Mandeville, the tenor. Mrs. de Trappe, it seems, frequently invites him to dinner. Still, Julia herself is very sensible, and the family is of extraordinary antiquity.

Soame. But the mother? If she has not been in the divorce court, it is through no fault of her own.

Lady Dol.[Biting her lip.]Mrs. de Trappe is vain and silly, I admit; but as she has at last decided to marry Mr. Banish, the banker, I am hoping she will live in his house at Hampstead, and think a little more about her immortal soul.

Soame.Does Cyril seem at all interested in Miss Julia?

Lady Dol.Cyril has great elegance of mind, and is not very strong in the expression of his feelings one way or the other. But I may say that a deep attachment exists between them.

Soame.A man must have sound wisdom before he can appreciate innocence. But I have no desire to be discouraging, and I hope I may soon have the pleasure of congratulating you all on the wedding. Good-bye.

Lord Dol.What! Must you go?

Soame.Yes. But[aside to Lord Dol.]I shall bear in mind what you say. I will do my best. I have an engagement in town to-night.[Chuckles.]An amusing one.

Lord Dol.[With envy.]Where?

Soame.At the Parnassus.

Lady Dol.[With a supercilious smile.]And what is the Parnassus?

Soame.A theatre much favoured by young men who wish to be thought wicked, and by young ladies who are. Good-bye, good-bye.[Shakes hands with Lord and Lady Doldrummond and goes out.]

Lady Dol.Thank goodness, he is gone! What a terrible Rh