universe." He was mortified, notwithstanding; for he distinctly perceived,
that whilst Belinda joined with ease and dignity in the general
conversation, her manner towards him was grave and reserved. The next
morning he called earlier than usual; but though Lady Delacour was always
at home to him, she was then unluckily dressing to go to court: he
inquired whether Miss Portman would accompany her ladyship, and he learnt
from his friend Marriott that she was not to be presented this day,
because Mrs. Franks had not brought home her dress. Mr. Hervey called
again two hours afterwards.--Lady Delacour was gone to court. He asked for
Miss Portman. "Not at home," was the mortifying answer; though, as he had
passed by the windows, he had heard the delightful sound of her harp. He
walked up and down in the square impatiently, till he saw Lady Delacour's
carriage appear.

"The drawing-room has lasted an unconscionable time this morning," said
he, as he handed her ladyship out of her coach, "Am not I the most
virtuous of virtuous women," said Lady Delacour, "to go to court such a
day as this? But," whispered she, as she went up stairs, "like all other
amazingly good people, I have amazingly good reasons for being good. The
queen is soon to give a charming breakfast at Frogmore, and I am paying my
court with all my might, in hopes of being asked; for Belinda must see one
of their galas before we leave town, _that_ I'm determined upon.--But
where is she?" "Not at home," said Clarence, smiling. "Oh, not at home is
nonsense, you know. Shine out, appear, be found, my lovely Zara!" cried
Lady Delacour, opening the library door. "Here she is--what doing I know
not--studying Hervey's Meditations on the Tombs, I should guess, by the
sanctification of her looks. If you be not totally above all sublunary
considerations, admire my lilies of the valley, and let me give you a
lecture, not upon heads, or upon hearts, but on what is of much more
consequence, upon hoops. Every body wears hoops, but how few--'tis a