suggest no thoughts, of marriage."

"In love!" exclaimed Clarence Hervey; "but when did I ever use the
expression? In speaking of Miss Portman, I simply expressed esteem and
ad--------"

"No additions," said Lady Delacour; "content yourself with
esteem--simply,--and Miss Portman is safe, and you too, I presume.
Apropos; pray, Clarence, how do your esteem and _admiration_ (I may go as
far as that, may not I?) of Miss Portman agree with your admiration of
Lady Delacour?"

"Perfectly well," replied Clarence; "for all the world must be sensible
that Clarence Hervey is a man of too much taste to compare a country
novice in wit and accomplishments to Lady Delacour. He might, as men of
genius sometimes do, look forward to the idea of forming a country novice
for a wife. A man must marry some time or other--but my hour, thank
Heaven, is not come yet."

"Thank Heaven!" said Lady Delacour; "for you know a married man is lost to
the world of fashion and gallantry."

"Not more so, I should hope, than a married woman," said Clarence Harvey.
Here a loud knocking at the door announced the arrival of company to the
concert. "You will make my peace, you promise me, with Miss Portman,"
cried Clarence eagerly.

"Yes, I will make your peace, and you shall see Belinda smile upon you
once more, upon condition," continued Lady Delacour, speaking very
quickly, as if she was hurried by the sound of people coming up