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Those were two wretched hours, which I spent alone on the 18th of
January, 18--. I pleaded, with truth, the lady's excuse for not driving
with Lady Amabel to meet Sir Adrian. She took Clarence Fairfax with her
in the carriage.
It was dusk when they returned, and a britzska full of visitors followed
the General's equipage. I was at the head of the stairs, when I heard
Mrs Rashleigh's voice; the servants were lighting the lamps. I looked
over the banisters, she and two or three other ladies were coming up to
arrange their toilette before dinner.
Clarence stood at the foot of the stairs; he was laughing at some bold
sally of Mrs Rashleigh's, for he said, "for shame."
She had a brilliant bouquet in her hand; she tapped him on the cheek,
and he, catching the beautiful hand, drew off the glove, and kissed it.