‘So every one thinks; one of the strangest things that ever happened,’ remarked a bystander.

‘And I did not even know they were in town,’ continued Cadurcis, for, from his irregular hours, he had not seen his cousin since the party of yesterday.  He began walking up and down the room, muttering, ’Masham, Weymouth, London, presented at Court, and I know nothing.  How life changes!  Venetia at Court, my Venetia!’ Then turning round and addressing the young nobleman who had first spoken to him, he asked ‘if the ball were over.’

’Yes; all the world are going to Ranelagh.  Are you inclined to take a round?’

‘I have a strange fancy,’ said Cadurcis, ’and if you will go with me, I will take you in my vis-a-vis.  It is here.’

This was an irresistible invitation, and in a few minutes the companions were on their way; Cadurcis, apparently with no peculiar interest in the subject, leading the conversation very artfully to the presentation of Miss Herbert.  His friend was heartily inclined to gratify his curiosity.  He gave him ample details of Miss Herbert’s person:  even of her costume, and the sensation both produced; how she was presented by her mother, who, after so long an estrangement from the world, scarcely excited less impression, and the remarkable cordiality with which both mother and daughter were greeted by the sovereign and his royal consort.

The two young noblemen found Ranelagh crowded, but the presence of Lord Cadurcis occasioned a sensation the moment he was recognised.  Everywhere the whisper went round, and many parties crowded near to catch a glimpse of the hero of the day.  ’Which is he?  That fair, tall young man?  No, the other to be sure.  Is it really he?  How distinguished!  How melancholy!  Quite the poet.  Do you think he is really so unhappy as he looks?  I would sooner see him than the King and Queen.  He seems very young, but then he has seen so much of the world!  Fine eyes, beautiful hair!  I wonder who is his friend?  How proud he must be!  Who is that lady he bowed to?  That is the Duke of ——­ speaking to him,’ Such were the remarks that might be caught in the vicinity of Lord Cadurcis as he took his round, gazed at by the assembled crowd, of whom many knew him only by fame, for the charm of Ranelagh was that it was rather a popular than a merely fashionable assembly.  Society at large blended with the Court, which maintained and renewed its influence by being witnessed under the most graceful auspices.  The personal authority of the aristocracy has decreased with the disappearance of Ranelagh and similar places of amusement, where rank was not exclusive, and luxury by the gratification it occasioned others seemed robbed of half its selfism.