With her note concealed in her hand, and with tell-tale eyes, Emmeline joined the party at the usual hour of luncheon, in case her absence might create surprise. Mr. Pelham’s attention was soon attracted towards her. “I fear you have not yet recovered your waltzing of last night,” said he kindly, as if to account for her disordered appearance, which no one could help observing: “you have still a headache I am sure, and I am not surprised at it. When you _give balls_, you should put out your stoves; I wonder how any of the dancers could stand the heat of the room last night: a walk would do you good; I think it is clearing up; will you let me accompany you?” Emmeline feeling, in spite of her endeavours, that tears still forced themselves into her eyes, and aware that she was not quite in a fit state to make the _agréable_ to her company, readily agreed. The fresh air revived and composed her, and, by degrees, her usual spirits returned. Pelham first talked on indifferent subjects. At length, some improvement in the place which he was observing, brought in Fitzhenry’s name, when, after a moment’s pause, he said—”I see my friend Fitzhenry has no patience with that poor silly girl, Miss Danvers. I have often lectured him on the subject of his want of toleration for folly, and of the way that he is apt to take things that should only be laughed at, _au grand serieux_. It is the fault of all grave, substantial characters like his; and he allows trifles to go too deep with him. To be sure, the poor Selina is a fool, _comme on en voit peu_; but it is not necessary to attend to her, and I should be almost tempted with regard to her, to give _you_ the same advice as to Fitzhenry, not any way to notice the nonsense that flows from her. There are some people who can make themselves important in society only by teazing others; and if they once find out this power, they never let it rest unemployed. I am very impudent I think,” added Pelham, “in presuming to give you advice; but, as the friend of Fitzhenry, I feel that I have a sort of established right to lecture even you.” Emmeline looked up and smiled, to show in what good part she took what was so kindly meant.