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 astonished me prodigiously; and I assure you I felt myself extremely hurt at it; for his lordship had paid me much attention, and I began to think. I had made a conquest. It is however,’ added she, ‘very fortunate that the affair ended as it did, for you know, it would have been a shocking thing to have involved one’s self in such difficulties.’

‘True, madam,’ replied Bremere; who by her ladyship’s discourse, found she was the person to whom Belfont alluded, as having attracted his particular notice; ‘ but after all, whatever diminution the fortune of Lord Belfont has received, be assured, it is still sufficient to support the woman whom he shall honour with his hand, in a stile of elegance that might sooth the most extensive vanity.’ And without waiting her ladyship’s reply, bowed, and wished her good night, disgusted with the affected concern she expressed for his friend’s imaginary distress, which was but ill calculated to conceal the spirit of malevolence that rankled in her bosom.

Lady Caroline concluded, what he had said was only to shelter his friend from the censure of the world, and to encourage the opinion that his affairs were not so desperate as they had been represented. With these ideas, she joined her company: and Belfont and his misfortunes escaped her memory.

And now, gentle reader, let us attend the steps