Sophia, previous to her departure, reproved Calantha for her obstinacy, as she called it, in remaining in town. “I leave you with pain,” she said: “forgive me if I say it, for I see you have no conception of the folly of your conduct. Ever in extremes, you have acted as I little expected from the wife of Lord Avondale; but I blame him equally for giving you such unbounded freedom:—only the very wise and the very good know how to use it.” “Sophia,” replied Calantha, “I wish not for reproaches:—have confidence in me:—we cannot all be exactly alike. You are a pattern of propriety and virtue, and verily you have your reward:—I act otherwise, and am prepared for censures:—even yours cannot offend me. Lord Avondale talks of soon returning to Ireland: I shall then leave this dear delightful London without regret; and you shall find me when we all meet for the spring at Castle Delaval, just the same, as when I entered it.” “Never the same,” thought Sophia, who marked, with astonishment, the change a few months had made. They were yet speaking, and taking a cold farewell of each other, when a thundering rap at the door interrupted them, and before Sophia could retreat, Mr. Fremore, Count Gondimar and Lady Mandeville were ushered in. A frozen courtesy, and an austere frown, were the only signs of animation Sophia gave, as she vanished from their view; for she seemed hardly to have energy sufficient left, to walk out of the room in an ordinary manner. “You have been ill,” said Lady Mandeville, accosting Calantha. “It is a week since I have seen you. Think not, however, that I am come to intrude upon your time: I only called, as I passed your door, to enquire after you. Mr. Fremore tells me you are about to visit the Princess of Madagascar. Is this true? for I never believe any thing I hear?” “For once,” said Calantha, “you may do so; and on this very evening, my introduction is to take place.” “It is with regret I hear it,” said Lady Mandeville with a sigh: “we shall never more see any thing of you. Besides, she is not my friend.” Calantha assured Lady Mandeville her attachment could endure all sorts of trials; and laughingly enquired of her respecting her lovers, Apollonius, and the Greek Lexicon she was employed in translating. Lady Mandeville answered her with some indifference on these subjects; and having said all that she could in order to dissuade her against visiting the Princess, took her leave.