TO MY ONLY SISTER,
MRS. FRANK H. EVANS,
I Dedicate this Book.

Dreams, books are each a world; and books we know
Are a substantial world, both pure and good;
Round these, with tendrils strong as flesh and blood,
Our pastime and our happiness will grow.

Wordsworth.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.[ A LETTER ]1
CHAPTER II.[ THE FOLLY ]22
CHAPTER III.[ "THE SINS OF THE FATHERS" ]41
CHAPTER IV.[ A FAIR PARLIAMENT ]51
CHAPTER V.[ SENTIMENT AND "BACCY" ]66
CHAPTER VI.[ STAGE-STRUCK ]82
CHAPTER VII.[ DANGER AHEAD ]101
CHAPTER VIII.[ AN ARRIVAL AND A MEETING ]123
CHAPTER IX.[ THE IMPERIAL CHANCELLERIE ]152
CHAPTER X.[ A COURT FAVOURITE ]176
CHAPTER XI.[ A WOMAN SCORNED ]204
CHAPTER XII.[ A PINK BILLET-DOUX ]227
CHAPTER XIII.[ IN THE HAZEL COPSE ]253

MISS HILDRETH.