This eBook was produced by Andrew Heath and David Widger GODOLPHIN, Volume 3. By Edward Bulwer Lytton (Lord Lytton) CHAPTER XXII. THE BRIDE ALONE.--A DIALOGUE POLITICAL AND MATRIMONIAL.--CONSTANCWE GENIUS FOR DIPLOMACY.--THE CHARACTER OF HER ASSBMBLIES.--HER CONQUEST OVER LADY DELVILLE. "Bring me that book; place that table nearer; and leave me." The Abigail obeyed the orders, and the young Countess of Erpingham was alone. Alone! what a word for a young and beautiful bride in the first months of her marriage! Alone! and in the heart of that mighty city in which rank and wealth--and they were hers--are the idols adored by millions. It was a room fancifully and splendidly decorated. Flowers and perfumes were, however, its chief luxury; and from the open window you might see the trees in the old Mall deepening into the rich verdure of June. That haunt, too--a classical haunt for London--was at the hour I speak of full of gay and idle life; and there was something fresh and joyous in the air, the sun, and the crowd of foot and horse that swept below. Was the glory gone from your brow, Constance?--or the proud gladness from your eye? Alas! are not the blessings of the world like the enchanted bullets?--that which pierces our heart is united with the gift which our heart desired! Lord Erpingham entered the room. "Well, Constance," said he, "shall you ride on horseback to-day?" "I think not." "Then I wish you would call on Lady Delville. You see Delville is of my party: we sit together. You should be very civil to her, and I did not think you were so the other night." "You wish Lady Delville to support your political interest; and, if I mistake not, you think her at present lukewarm?" "Precisely." "Then, my dear lord, will you place confidence in my discretion? I promise you, if you will leave me undisturbed in my own plans, that Lady Delville shall be the most devoted of your party before the season is half over: but then, the means will not be those you advise." "Why, I advised none." "Yes--civility; a very poor policy." "D--n it, Constance! why, you would not frown a great person like Lady Delville into affection for us?" "Leave it to me." "Nonsense!" "My dear lord, only try. Three months is all I ask. You will leave the management of politics to me ever afterwards! I was born a schemer. Am I not John Vernon's daughter?" "Well, well, do as you will," said Lord Erpingham; "but I see how it will end. However, you will call on Lady Delville to-day?" "If you wish it, certainly." "I do." Lady Delville was a proud, great lady; not very much liked and not so often invited by her equals as if she had been agreeable and a flirt. Constance knew with whom she had to treat. She called on Lady Delville that day. Lady Delville was at home: a pretty and popular Mrs. Trevor was with her. Lady Delville received her coolly--Constance was haughtiness itself.