Among all her literary friends, Mr Broune was the one in whom she most trusted; and Mr Broune was fond of handsome women.

It may be as well to give a short record of a scene which had taken place between Lady Carbury and her friend about a month before the writing of this letter which has been produced.

She had wanted him to take a series of papers for the 'Morning Breakfast Table,' and to have them paid for at rate No.

1, whereas she suspected that he was rather doubtful as to their merit, and knew that, without special favour, she could not hope for remuneration above rate No.

2, or possibly even No.3.So she had looked into his eyes, and had left her soft, plump hand for a moment in his.