“Yes, a pretty Frenchwoman! quite romantic--an attachment of some years’ standing.” Florence turned away her face, and said no more. “That’s a good fellow, Lumley,” said Lord Saxingham; “Florence is never more welcome to my eyes than at half-past one o’clock A.M., when I associate her with thoughts of my natural rest, and my unfortunate carriage-horses. By the by, I wish you would dine with me next Saturday.” “Saturday: unfortunately I am engaged to my uncle.” “Oh! he has behaved handsomely to you?” “Yes.” “Mrs. Templeton pretty well?” “I fancy so.” “As ladies wish to be, etc.?” whispered his lordship. “No, thank Heaven!” “Well, if the old man could but make you his heir, we might think twice about the title.” “My dear lord, stop! one favour--write me a line to hint that delicately.” “No--no letters; letters always get into the papers.” “But cautiously worded--no danger of publication, on my honour.” “I’ll think of it. Good night.” BOOK VII. Every man should strive to be as good as possible, but not suppose himself to be the only thing that is good. --PLOTIN. EN. 11. lib. ix. c. 9. CHAPTER I. “Deceit is the strong but subtle chain which runs through all the members of a society, and links them together; trick or be tricked is the alternative; ‘tis the way of the world, and without it intercourse would drop.” _Anonymous writer_ of 1722. “A lovely child she was, of looks serene, And motions which o’er things indifferent shed The grace and gentleness from whence they came.” PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY. “His years but young, but his experience old.”--SHAKESPEARE. “He after honour hunts, I after love.”--_Ibid._