CHAPTER XVI. "See where around the silent votaries sit, "WELL," exclaimed Nina to Lord Elmsdale, as they sat at breakfast, the next day; "how do you think our party went off last night? In my opinion it was a complete and total failure. You will, I dare say, exclaim, that it succeeded admirably well." 66 Certainly, Nina, it was a great relief to me that there were no storms among such a variety of conflicting elements. I expected, at least, some thunder and lightning; and that by bringing such discordant people together, there would be some painful jars; but quite the contrary, they seemed to keep each other in order, which enforces the truth of the argument, that 'discords well managed, often produce the finest harmony." " "Yes," cried Nina, laughing at the recollection; "Lady Grantham's stiffness and frigidity spell-bound even Lady C-, and kept Mrs. Delagrace in such order, that she was almost lady-like. Captain Sylvester was himself as usual-as conceited and egotistical; nothing will daunt him: but he had nobody to draw him out, and he is never half so delightful, as when assisted by Mrs. Delagrace's notes of admiration. She was much more sparing of them; and when they did escape, were pro nounced in a less audible, and emphatic tone of voice. Oh! I was disappointed! Reginald hardly once opened his eyes wider than usual. Upon my word," she continued, turning towards him, "I shall be quite sorry, when you become accustomed to absurdities. Your freshness has been my greatest amusement lately, and has assisted in keeping me alive, amidst all this uninteresting confusion. But most certainly, the party was dreadfully stupid, and all my own fault; perhaps, for my sins, I was well punished, for I arranged the whole affair in mischief, and had not thrown in one single soul, whose society could have afforded any rational amusement." "I am delighted it has so happened, my dear Nina; it is my great desire, that you should gain experience in society: and I am not at all sorry, little lady, that you should obtain it, at some slight cost and sacrifice. There is nothing like gentle discipline, for thoroughly opening the eyes." "Upon my word," cried the Countess, shruging up her shoulders; "I have some difficulty in keeping mine open, in what is called the élite of London society; it is to me so insupportably dull and heavy. I really sometimes long to get up, and jump over the ottoman, and invite my guests to do the same, just thoroughly to awaken them. I really am thinking seriously of sending for Bob Short, and learning to play at whist. Lady L- and Mrs. H—, and all the young married women I meet, sit down to their rubber, regularly, every night; and certainly, it seems to have the effect of keeping them on the qui vive, to judge by the animation of their countenances." Lord Elmsdale shook his head. "No! no, Nina, for mercy's sake, fall asleep -jump over the ottoman-do anything, but I beseech you, put off the evil day of systematic card-playing. I cannot describe to you, how I dislike to see a woman, most particularly a young one, sit down to play with a regular set of performers. It appears to me, almost as unfeminine, as if she were to appear booted and spurred, with coat, waistcoat and etcs. In my opinion, there cannot be a more unpleasing sight, than to watch the proceedings of a card table, where there are women concerned. You see a pretty creature, all smiles and softness, take her seat; watch her as the game proceeds. If she happen to have winning cards, all well and good-the smile continues, but the excitement unnaturally flushes her cheek, and there is a feverish sparkling in the eye. But, should she lose, then the reverse is painful. brow contracts—a look of anxiety succeeds, and the smile now is forced, to hide the disappointment, and too often, the annoyance, not only of losing her money, but frequently of being taken to task by her partner, rudely and harshly; and, extraordinary to say, in a manner, in which he would have blushed to indulge, at any other The |