Lord Glenmore's marriage soon became the subject of general conversation. The day of the nuptials was already named, and the ceremony was to be in the most splendid style. In compliment to Lord Glenmore, several of his acquaintance were invited. Amongst these was Lady Tilney and Lady Tenderden; the Comtesse Leinsengen of course; and Lady Ellersby, who on her mother's side was related to the family of the Melcombs. The parties named expressed themselves annoyed at the idea of forming part of what they called the _Melcomb mélange_; but a secret wish to retain an influence with Lord Glenmore, whose marriage it was intended should not, without a trial of Miss Melcomb's aptitude for _ton_, banish him from their circle. The whole affair, however, was _sotto sugezione_ in the opinion of Lady Tilney and her friends. "The strangest thing of all is," exclaimed the former, as she was conversing on the subject with Lady Tenderden and the Comtesse Leinsengen, "that the marriage takes place in church." "In church! _quelle idée, vraiment on mourra de froid_." "And pray how must one be dressed?" inquired Lady Tenderden. "Oh, _en costume de traineau_, I presume, since it is in von of your cold church; but vat sinifies how von dresses for it?" "If it rains I really must send my excuse," said Lady Tilney, who wanted to be on a level at least with the Comtesse in impertinence. "Have you seen the _trousseau_?" she added. "Yes, I have," replied Lady Tenderden. Lady Tilney looked blank; she could not bear that others should precede her even in the inspection of a _trousseau_. Lady Tenderden, continued:--"Madame Duval brought me every thing that was worth seeing; the laces are magnificent, and the _corbeille de noces_, and every thing is in good taste. But here is Lady Ellersby," exclaimed Lady Tenderden, glad to break off from a subject which had been disagreeable to her, "I do not suppose _she_ will approve of the programme of this ceremony." "My dear Lady Ellersby," the ladies all exclaimed, running up to her, "why did you not exert your influence with Lady Melcomb to prevent this _baroque_ fancy of being married in church; surely your relationship would have authorized your good advice on the occasion." Lady Ellersby looked surprised, and asked an explanation. "Do you not know," answered Lady Tilney, "that the ceremony is to take place in a church?" "La! does it? What a strange fancy!" drawled Lady Ellersby; "but I should never think of giving any advice to Lady Melcomb--I never do, to any body." "Dat Mademoiselle Melcomb, vid all her imbecile _niaiserie_, seems not to have played her part amiss." "I think she will turn out better than one could have supposed," rejoined Lady Tenderden, "when she becomes _un peu plus façonné_." "Do tell me who are the invited?" interrupted Lady Tilney, addressing Lady Ellersby.