CHAPTER LIX.
THE NEW BEAUTY DISCUSSED.
A group of young aristocrats stood in the billiard-room of Bar's Club. Some one had played a game and won it, some one else had lost; there had been high betting, but, strange to say, for once money had lost its charm—billiards their attraction.
"I am told," said the Honorable Charlie Balsover, "that it is a treat to look at her. My sisters were both at the drawing-room, and they declare that they have seen nothing like it."
"Women cannot judge of women," said Major Maitland, contemptuously.
The Honorable Charlie looked up haughtily.
"My sisters are as good judges of beauty as any one in England," he said, hastily.
"There can be no question about it," interrupted Lord Piercy; "Lady Studleigh is, par excellence, the beauty of the season. I saw her myself, and—well, it takes a great deal to satisfy me, but she did it."
"We shall have the noble Piercy, spurred and booted, going in for a conquest," laughed another.
"No, my dear boy; I am, fortunately for me, in the full possession of all my senses. I took my own measure very accurately long ago, and I, for one, should never aspire to such a conquest as that of the Lady Studleigh."