A party of young men entered, from the Court Ball, which in those days always terminated at midnight, whence the guests generally proceeded to Ranelagh; one or two of them seated themselves at the table at which Cadurcis was sitting. They were full of a new beauty who had been presented. Their violent and even extravagant encomiums excited his curiosity. Such a creature had never been seen, she was peerless, the most radiant of acknowledged charms had been dimmed before her. Their Majesties had accorded to her the most marked reception. A Prince of the blood had honoured her with his hand. Then they began to expatiate with fresh enthusiasm on her unparalleled loveliness.
'O Cadurcis,' said a young noble, who was one of his extreme admirers, 'she is the only creature I ever beheld worthy of being one of your heroines.'
'Whom are you talking about?' asked Cadurcis in a rather listless tone.
'The new beauty, of course.'
'And who may she be?'
'Miss Herbert, to be sure. Who speaks or thinks of any one else?'
'What, Ve——, I mean Miss Herbert?' exclaimed Cadurcis, with no little energy.
'Yes. Do you know her?'
'Do you mean to say—' and Cadurcis stopped and rose from the table, and joined the party round the fire. 'What Miss Herbert is it?' he added, after a short pause.
'Why the Miss Herbert; Herbert's daughter, to be sure. She was presented to-day by her mother.