dered to contemplate!—was she unhappy? How he longed to ask Lady Marchmont about her: though deeply mortified at the cold manner in which she received him, it shewed plainly enough what was her opinion of his conduct. Lord Norbourne saw that there was something wrong, though even his penetration was at a loss to divine what; and he, therefore, exerted himself to talk it away. In this he was seconded by Lady Marchmont; and between them, the conversation was sufficiently sustained.
Constance, encouraged by the presence of her father and husband, and shut out from the crowd, felt less timid than usual; still she could not but perceive that Norbourne's manner lacked its ordinary grace in speaking to her new friend; and yet she had never felt so anxious that he should please. Taking her earliest opportunity, she whispered,
"Only think, Norbourne, of your knowing Lady Marchmont! do talk to her; she is so kind, so charming."
But her words fell on unheeding ears.
