After the ceremony, the world repaired to the mansion of Lord Culloden in Belgrave Square, to inspect the presents, and to partake of a dinner called a breakfast. Cousin Lothair wandered about the rooms, and had the satisfaction of seeing a bracelet with a rare and splendid sapphire which he had given to Lady Flora, and a circlet of diamond stars which he had placed on the brow of the Duchess of Brecon. The St. Aldegondes were the only members of the Brentham family who were present. St. Aldegonde had a taste for marriages and public executions, and Lady St. Aldegonde wandered about with Lothair, and pointed out to him Corisande’s present to his cousins.
“I never was more disappointed than by your family leaving town so early this year,” he said.
“We were quite surprised.”
“I am sorry to bear your sister is indisposed.”
“Corisande! she is perfectly well.”
“I hope the duchess’s headache is better,” said Lothair. “She could not receive me when I called to say farewell, because she had a headache.”
“I never knew mamma to have a headache,” said Lady St. Aldegonde.
“I suppose you will be going to Brentham?”
“Next week.”’
“And Bertram too?”