state of mind, to guide yourself. Be guided by me. Come with me to
Washington. You will really enjoy yourself there--you cannot help it.
Your beauty will make you the reigning belle; your taste will make you
the leader of fashion; and your title will constitute you the lioness of
the season; for, mark you, Berenice, there is nothing, not even the
'almighty dollar,' that our consistent republicans fall down and worship
with a sincerer homage than a title! All your combined attractions will
make you whatever you please to be."

"Except the beloved of my husband," murmured Berenice, in a low voice.

"That also! for, believe me, my dear, many men admire and love through
other men's eyes. My son is one of the many. Nothing in this world would
bring him to your side so quickly as to see you the center of attraction
in the first circles of the capital."

"Ah, madam, the situation would lack the charm of novelty to him; he has
been accustomed to seeing me fill similar ones in London and in Paris,"
said the countess, with a proud though mournful smile.

Mrs. Brudenell's face flushed as she became conscious of having made a
blunder--a thing she abhorred, so she hastened to say:

"Oh, of course, my dear, I know, after the European courts, our
republican capital must seem an anti-climax! Still, it is the best thing
I can offer you, and I counsel you to accept it."

"I feel deeply grateful for your kindness, mamma; but you know I could
not enter society, except under the auspices of my husband," replied
Berenice.