"Now, all men are vain, quite as vain as we are; indeed, I always say much more so," continued her tormentor; "and Mr. Courtenaye's vanity must be flattered by Lady Marchmont's admiration!"
"Do you think she admires him, then?" asked his wife, in a startled tone.
"Oh, I say nothing," replied Lady Dudley, with a sneer; " but we all know that Lady Marchmont would fain lead captive every man about town worth looking at. They say that she applied to her conquests the answer of the French actress, who, being asked if she could reckon up her lovers, replied, 'Oui, qui ne sçait compter jusqu'au mille?'"
"She is very lovely!" said Constance, mournfully.
"Oh, there are others as handsome as she is!" interrupted her ladyship; "but she is such a coquette—quite heartless; and, therefore, the more dangerous. Her passion is universal admiration; and she cares for nothing, so long as her vanity is but gratified: of course, I speak to you in complete confidence. Good by, my
