a laugh rather louder than les bienséances permit in an English aristocratic circle. Seeing that Annandale looked vexed and embarrassed, I came to his aid, by adding, that Lady Annandale was the most affectionate daughter in the world, and never quitted her father and mother whenever they had the slightest indisposition. He looked his thanks; while the comtesse maliciously whispered in Annandale's ear, but loud enough for me to hear, that it was strange so loving a daughter appeared to be so unloving a wife. When dinner was announced, it was discovered that Lord Nottingham, who was expected, was absent; and, as Annandale has a peculiar dislike to a vacant place at his table, he was not a little discomposed by the nonappearance of his friend. "How very droll it is," said notre comtesse, "that Lord Nottingham has not come; for I heard him last night promise you." Annandale bit his lip. Perhaps, as miladi has gone to nurse her mamma, milord has gone to keep company with the papa," continued the comtesse, with a laugh, which was echoed by the whole party around. I saw that the host was deeply mortified at this open and indelicate insinuation, though most anxious to conceal his feelings; and, therefore, I changed the conversation, led it into lively subjects, gave utterance to some of my most brilliant bon-mots, and, in short, played the hostess à ravir. I had, at Annandale's request, taken his wife's place at table; and I resolved to make him sensible of the different manner in which it was filled, and how much the gaiety of a dinner depends on the mistress of the fête. Yet, while executing this determination, I took care not to throw him into the back-ground; but, au contraire, drew him out, applauded whatever he said that was passable, and glossed over what was stupid. In short, I put all the party so much at their ease, and rendered them so satisfied with themselves, and, par conséquence, with me, that Lord Charles Fitzhardinge declared aloud, that I made the most delightful hostess he had ever seen, and was precisely calculated to be at the head of a table that was to give the ton to fashionable society. None of this success was lost on Lord Annandale, whom I detected looking at me more frequently than during all the time of our previous acquaintance, and evidently more admiringly too. END OF THE SECOND VOLUME. LONDON: PRINTED BY J. MOYES, CASTLE STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE. |