But as his wife did not accompany him on these fitful journeys, she was able to give her time very much to the Duchess.
The Duchess was on the whole very successful with her parties.

There were people who complained that she had everybody; that there was no selection whatever as to politics, principles, rank, morals,--or even manners.

But in such a work as the Duchess had now taken in hand, it was impossible that she should escape censure.

They who really knew what was being done were aware that nobody was asked to that house without an idea that his or her presence might be desirable,--in however remote a degree.

Paragraphs in newspapers go for much, and therefore the writers and editors of such paragraphs were there,--sometimes with their wives.