Only that I intend spending part of the winter in Paris; and if I should not be deemed an _intruder_, perhaps the same yacht may carry us over. I was never more at a loss for a reply. Going to France, my Lord! in a hesitating voice.--I never heard,--I never dreamt,--your Lordship had such an intention. Well, you do not forbid it, Miss Warley? I shall certainty be of your party: _I forbid it_, my Lord! _I forbid it!_ What right have _I_ to controul your Lordship's actions? Besides, we should travel so short a way together, it would be very immaterial. Give me Leave, Madam, in this respect to be the judge; perhaps every one is not bless'd with that _happy_ indifference.--What may be very _immaterial_ to _one_,--may be matter of the _highest_ importance to _another_. He pronounced the word _immaterial_, with some marks of displeasure. I was greatly embarrass'd: I thought our conversation would soon become too interesting. I knew not what to do.--I attempted to give it a different turn; yet it engrossed all my attention.--At length I succeeded by introducing my comical adventure at the inn, in our way to Oxfordshire: but the officer's name had escaped my memory, though I since recollect it to be Risby. This subject engaged us till we came within sight of the drawing-room windows.--There are the visitors, as I live! said I. Your Lordship not being dress'd, will, I suppose, order the coach to the other door.--To be plain, I was glad of any excuse that would prevent my getting out before them.--Not _I_, indeed, Miss Warley, reply'd he:--Dress is never of consequence enough to draw me two steps out of my way.--If the spectators yonder will fix their eyes on an old coat rather than a fine young Lady, _why_ they have it for their pains. By this time the door was open'd, and Sir James appearing, led me, with his usual politeness, to the company. I was placed by her Ladyship next Miss Winter, whose person I cannot say prejudiced me in her favour, being entirely dispossessed of that winning grace which attracts strangers at a first glance. After measuring me with her eye from head to toe, she sent my dimensions in a kind of half smile across the room to Lord Baily; then vouchsafed to ask, how long I had been in this part of the world? which question was followed by fifty others, that shewed she laboured under the violent thirst of curiosity; a thirst never to be conquered; for, like dropsical people, the more they drink in, the more it rages. My answers were such as I always return to the inquisitive.--Yes, Madam;--No, Madam;--very well;--very good;--not certain;--quite undetermin'd.--Finding herself unsuccessful with _me_, she apply'd to _Lady Powis_; but alas! poor maiden, she could drain nothing from that fountain; the streams would not flow;--they were driven back, by endeavouring to force them into a wrong channel.