CHAPTER I.
'Are you to be at Lady Clonbrony's gala next week ?' said Lady Langdale to Mrs.Dareville, whilst they were waiting for their carriages in the crush-room of the opera house.
'Oh yes! everybody's to be there, I hear,' replied Mrs.Dareville.

'Your ladyship, of course ?' 'Why, I don't know--if I possibly can.

Lady Clonbrony makes it such a point with me, that I believe I must look in upon her for a few minutes.
They are going to a prodigious expense on this occasion.

Soho tells me the reception rooms are all to be new furnished, and in the most magnificent style.' 'At what a famous rate those Clonbronies are dashing on,' said Colonel Heathcock.

'Up to anything.' 'Who are they ?--these Clonbronies, that one hears of so much of late' said her Grace of Torcaster.