One day they met in some fine company--Lady Langdale looked as if she was afraid of committing herself by a curtsy.

Miss Nugent waited for a good opportunity; and, when all the world was silent, leant forward, and called to Lady Langdale, as if she had something to communicate of the greatest consequence, skreening her whisper with her hand, as in an aside on the stage,--'Lady Langdale, you may curtsy to me now--nobody is looking.' 'The retort courteous!' said Lord Colambre--'the only retort for a woman.' 'And her ladyship deserved it so well.

But Mrs.Dareville, what happened about her ?' 'Mrs.Dareville, you remember, some years ago, went to Ireland with some lady-lieutenant to whom she was related.

There she was most hospitably received by Lord and Lady Clonbrony--went to their country house--was as intimate with Lady Clonbrony and with Miss Nugent as possible--stayed at Clonbrony Castle for a month; and yet, when Lady Clonbrony came to London, never took the least notice of her.

At last, meeting at the house of a common friend, Mrs.Dareville could not avoid recognising her ladyship; but, even then, did it in the least civil manner and most cursory style possible.