The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)

hing she remembered, or at least fancied it to be. There were not the old gradations of class strictly defined; there was not the old veneration for rank and station; "society" was inv

reduced households and dimly lighted salons, they were but sorry

they had ample means, lacked for none of the advantages which the world demands from those who seek its favors; and yet there they were,

oulogne, and saw some thousands of gay, bright-costumed people, all eager for pleasure, all hurrying on to some scheme of amusement or enjoyment, while

n it, and then he plodded gloomily homeward, to dine and listen to her Ladyship's discontented criticism upon the tiresome place and the odious people who filled it. Paris was, indeed, a deception and a snare to them! So far from finding it cheap, the expense of living-as they l

e list of arrivals to find out some distinguished acquaintance; in vain she interrogated her son as to what was going on, and who were

, one morning, peevishly, "for really there isn'

h a malicious twinkle in his eye. "Here are two columns of s

salons, if that be al

s, Howards of Maiden, and Greys of Allington, besides su

one never sees them?"

e are seven weeks, and, except to that gorgeous fellow in the cocked hat

other of which one must be presented," said the Captain-"Madame

mistress, was she not, Miss Henders

dy," was th

e these oth

ed to 'Mademoiselle,' the daugh

thing of them since you cam

from a carriage as we drove in. I just caught si

er suspecting it was meant for you. And she w

work, but showing in the crimson flush that spr

respond, I think?" c

so, my

se, when she married,-she ha

on my side," said Kate, scarcely re

got what was due to the station of the Duchesse de

actly,

y, what do

as thrown in a wild, unfrequented region, where no incident broke the monotony, and that were I to continue our correspondence, my letters must degenerate into a mere selfi

e West, certainly! I really was not aware before

e which seemed rather to irri

y picture. I trust it was not a mere piece of

sigh; but the tone and manner of the

as he spoke to a very handsome chariot which had just driven up to the door. "They're inquiring for som

hing of that kind, lives on the fourt

said a servant, entering, "begs to k

, and her color rose till

nderson," said Lady Dorothea, in a half-whisper; and

tin, rising suddenly

aptain, as he made his

from the fascination of manner than for any traits of beauty. Courtesying slightly, but deferentially, to Lady Dorothea, she apologized for her intrusion by the circumstance of having, the day before, caught sight of her "dear governess and dear friend-" And as she reached thus far, the deep-drawn breathing of another attrac

lity a story of their friendship, the graceful language in which she uttered it lending those choice phrases which never seem exaggerations of sentiment till they be translated into other tongues.

see a great deal of each other? When can you come to me?

on," said Lady Dorothea, haughtily; "but I can acknowledge claims which tak

of that. I knew that my dear Kate must be loved by all around her. We have

oo far," said Kate, in a low voice. "I am in a manner nec

de Sargance, and the Austrian Minister has something," rattled on the lively Duchess. "Paris is so ga

o society!" said Lad

away with me all my friends who will consent to come. We try to imitate that delightful life of you

untry life, then?"

the little dinners on the grass, with all their disasters, and the moonlight drive homewards, half joyous, half romantic,-not to speak of that charming frankness by which every one makes

he would like to say to her friend alone," said Lady Dorothea, rising and courtesying f

have longed for this moment, to tell you ten thousand things about myself and hear from you as many more!

asked Kat

essed. Your features have not that dear repose, as Giorgevo used to call

of him!" said s

Floria

ven of

hing he had in life,-he was a Secretary of Legation, with good prospects,-all to win your favor, becoming a 'C

asked Kate, with

think it was in Sicily. And then there was that Hungarian Count Nemescz, that wan

t and made acquaintance with in I

made such a sensation by a first speech in Parliament

, carelessly. "He had very

s not telling me of yourself, child. Who and what are these people you are living with?

do not seem at all impressed with the blessing t

as they should be? That old lady is, to m

it is, which only demands the quiet duties of servitude, and neither asks nor wi

ou lik

Kate, pressing the hand she held fervently to h

e world with her,-a

ate society, and unknown to those who form t

d-she would l

ure she

; her house is the rendezvous of all the distinguished peopl

orothea

ot want for attentions. Perhaps she would condescend

us. You will, however, be with us; and I long to present you to all my friends, and show them one to whom I owe so much, and ought to b

gone," said Kate, earnestly. "I'll fancy it all a dream-or rather, t

id the Duchess, with a half-sigh; "happ

vents," said Kate, once more e

wly returned to her place at the work-table. She did not, however, resume h

in this good world of ours! Can it always go on thus? That is the question I'm curious to hear solved. A littl