almost as polite as if they had never been friendly. Now, few friendships die a natural death, they generally come to a violent end; and it shewed no little tact in our rival beauties, that they allowed theirs to grow
"Fine by degrees, and beautifully less."
"I met Lord Marchmont on the staircase," said Lady Mary, "or else I should ask why you are looking so dull."
"I am so disappointed," replied Henrietta, who was young enough in grievances, to be eager to talk about them: "I wanted to ask some friends, who are coming up to London under very disagreeable circumstances, to stay with us, and Lord Marchmont will not hear of it."
"For once," exclaimed her companion, " I take the husband's side; remember, that my so doing, is not to be considered a precedent: when they are in unpleasant circumstances, the less we see of our friends the better!"
"I beg to differ with you," returned Henrietta, colouring.
