Mrs. Ingoldsby came up to her assistance. Miss Turnbull rallied her spirits, and determined to make her stand upon the exclusive ground of fashion. Those who comprehend the rights of the privileged orders of fashion are aware that even a commoner, who is in a certain _set_, is far superior to a duchess who is not supposed to move in that magic circle, Almeria, upon this principle, began to talk to the duchess of some of her acquaintance, who were of the highest _ton_; and then affectedly checked herself, and begged pardon, and looked surprised at Mrs. Ingoldsby, when she found that her grace was not acquainted with them. Much as Miss Turnbull had reason to complain of Lady Pierrepoint and the young bride the marchioness, she now thought that their names would do her honour; and she scrupled not to speak of them as her best friends, and as the most amiable creatures existing.--Such is the meanness and insufficiency of vanity! “Poor Lady Pierrepoint,” said the Duchess of A----: “with her independent fortune, what could tempt her to enslave herself, as she has done, to a court life?” “Her ladyship finds herself suited to her situation, I believe,” said Miss Turnbull. “Lady Pierrepoint is certainly formed, more than most people I know, to succeed and shine in a court; and she is in favour, and in power, and in fashion.” “Does it follow of course that she is happy?” said Ellen. “Oh! happy--of course; I suppose so.” “No doubt,” said Mrs. Ingoldsby; “she has every reason to be happy: has not she just made her niece marchioness?” Miss Turnbull repeated “_Happy!_ to be sure Lady Pierrepoint is happy, if any body in the world is happy.”--A short sigh escaped from our heroine. Ellen heard the sigh, and attended to it more than to her words; she looked upon her with compassion, and endeavoured to change the conversation. “We spend this winter in town; and as I think I know your _real_ tastes, Almeria,” said she, taking Almeria’s hand, “we must have the pleasure of introducing you to some of her grace’s literary friends, who will, I am sure, please and suit you particularly.”