Lady Ellersby had invited to Restormel Lady Tilney and the more select of her coterie. Some there were, the subalterns of their _corps élite_, who, however subservient and ready they had proved themselves to adopt the follies of exclusiveness, had as yet failed in establishing themselves in its full rights and prerogatives, and who, after the sacrifice of their own true dignity, still found themselves but as tools in the hands of others. These, often overlooked in the more _recherché_ amusements, _heard_ of the party at Restormel, but only _heard_, and were not among the invited. To be excluded on such an occasion was a mortification of the severest kind, and it became a matter of the greatest importance to have their names inserted, if possible, on the select list. To obtain this point, the infinite pains and ingenuity employed were worthy of a better cause. The Baskervilles were of the number overlooked; and, addressing his wife on the subject with as much eagerness as it was permitted one of his dignified refinement to display, Lord Baskerville said: "Imagine what Boileau has just told me; Lady Ellersby has a party at Restormel next week! I do think _we_ had a right to be asked; don't you?" "Oh certainly, _love_," replied Lady Baskerville, a sweet-sounding epithet of affection which but on few occasions passed between them: "Certainly: and if we are not, I shall think it quite rude; but _I will_ arrange the matter." That night Lady Baskerville went to the Opera with Lady Boileau; as soon as an opportunity presented itself, Lady Baskerville turned suddenly round, and said, "Oh, there is Lady Ellersby, I see, in her box: how well she looks--of _course you_ are going to Restormel at Easter?" and she kissed her hand the while, in her most smiling manner, to the lady of whom she spoke. "No, I am not invited," replied Lady Boileau. "Are you?" "Yes," rejoined Lady Baskerville, (determined to hazard the lie at all events, and trust to chance, or her own devices, to make it true afterwards.) "But how very odd she should have left you out; it must be some mistake." "Oh, no, it is not a mistake--it cannot be; for Lady Ellersby, you know, makes all her invitations on these occasions _de vive voix_." Lady Baskerville almost betrayed herself as she _felt_ Lady Boileau's penetrating eyes fixed upon her's, with a scrutiny she did not wish to prolong; however she rallied dexterously, and turned off the discourse into some other channel; but Lady Boileau returned to the charge, saying: