loveliness had been combined with feminine wealth. He had for two years
been a suitor of Violet Effingham, who was the acknowledged beauty of the
day--of Violet Effingham, who at the present time was the wife of Lord
Chiltern; and he had offered himself thrice to Madame Max Goesler, who was
reputed to be as rich as she was beautiful. In either case, the fortune
would have been greater than that which he would now win, and the money
would certainly have been for ever. But in these attempts he had failed;
and Lord Fawn was not a man to think himself ill-used because he did not
get the first good thing for which he asked.

"I suppose I may tell the girls?" said Lady Fawn.

"Yes, when I am gone. I must be off now, only I could not bear not to come
and see you."

"It was so like you, Frederic."

"And you'll go to-day?"

"Yes, if you wish it--certainly."

"Go up in the carriage, you know, and take one of the girls with you. I
would not take more than one. Augusta will be the best. You'll see Clara,
I suppose." Clara was the married sister, Mrs. Hittaway.

"If you wish it."

"She had better call too--say on Thursday. It's quite as well that it
should be known. I sha'n't choose to have more delay than can be avoided.
Well, I believe that's all."