sity of playing chaperon to Helen. Georgiana will, however, have that pleasure."
The start of recoil given by the poor girl, and the way in which all colour fled her cheeks, shewed the unpitying mother that the case was worse than she had apprehended; and, the more Mrs. Palmer remonstrated by saying the young ladies had never been the whole season, that places were secured and tickets paid for, the more determined was Lady Anne that Mrs. Palmer must have the benefit of Georgiana's company.
"I beg you to keep her, my dear madam," she said, at length, "in pity to herself, for she is evidently unwell; you see how pale she looks—something, I fear, in your excellent cuisine has been too much for her stomach. I commend her to your skill and kindness; it will not be the first time she has benefitted by them."
So saying, away sailed the woman of quality, seizing the arm of Helen, who, in her surprise and sorrow, looked really as ill as her mortified sister, whilst Mr. Palmer inwardly swore that his "excellent cuisine" should never more be tried by that cruel, conceited old woman, if she were his neighbour for a century. He did not say a single word during their drive; and, on arriving at the Opera House, told his servants merely to drive round, as he should not remain more than half an hour.
The dismay which overspread Arthur's face when he found that Georgiana was left behind assured Lady
