It soon became a compliment to the understanding to say of a person, “He goes to Lady Erpingham’s!” They who valued themselves on their understandings moved heaven and earth to become popular with the beautiful countess. Lady Delville was not asked; Lady Delville was furious: she affected disdain, but no one gave her credit for it. Lord Erpingham teased Constance on this point. “You see I was right; for you have affronted Lady Delville. She has made Delville look coolly on me; in a few weeks he will be a Tory; think of that, Lady Erpingham!” “One month more,” answered Constance, with a smile, “and you shall see.” One night, Lady Delville and Lady Erpingham met at a large party. The latter seated herself by her haughty enemy; not seeming to heed Lady Delville’s coolness, Constance entered into conversation with her. She dwelt upon books, pictures, music: her manner was animated, and her wit playful. Pleased, in spite of herself, Lady Delville warmed from her reserve. “My dear Lady Delville,” said Constance, suddenly turning her bright countenance on the countess with an expression of delighted surprise, “will you forgive me?--I never dreamed before that you were so charming a person! I never conceal my sentiments: and I own with regret and shame that, till this moment, I had never seen in your mind--whatever I might in your person--those claims to admiration which were constantly dinned into my ear.” Lady Delville actually coloured. “Pray,” continued Constance, “condescend to permit me to a nearer acquaintance. Will you dine with us on Thursday?--we shall have only nine persons beside yourself: but they are the nine persons whom I most esteem and admire.” Lady Delville accepted the invitation. From that hour, Lady Delville--who had at first resented, from the deepest recess of her heart, Constance Vernon’s accession to rank and wealth,--who, had Constance deferred to her early acquaintance, would have always found something in her she could have affected to despise; from that hour, Lady Delville was the warmest advocate, and a little time after, the sincerest follower, of the youthful countess. CHAPTER XXIII. AN INSIGHT INTO THE REAL GRANDE MONDE;--BEING A SEARCH BEHIND THE ROSE-COLOURED CURTAINS.