"Adieu for the present, dearest Eliza:—I knew not, when I sate down, that I should have been enabled to write so long a letter. But I must now change my dress; for the carriage will be here shortly to convey me to Warrington Park, where we are to pass the honeymoon.
"Ever your sincere friend,
"DIANA."
Such are the strange phases which this world presents to our view! That same Fortune, who, in a moment of caprice, had raised an obscure English lady to a ducal throne, placed, when in a similar mood, a coronet upon the brow of another who had long filled a most equivocal position in society.
CHAPTER CLXXI.
MR. GREENWOOD'S DINNER-PARTY.
Some few days after the events just related, Mr. G. M. Greenwood, M.P., entertained several gentlemen at dinner at his residence in Spring Gardens.
The banquet was served up at seven precisely:—Mr. Greenwood had gradually made his dinner hour later as he had risen in the world; and he was determined that if ever he became a baronet, he would never have that repast put on table till half-past eight o'clock.
On the present occasion, as we ere now observed, the guests were conducted to the dining-room at seven.
The thick curtains were drawn over the windows: the apartment was a blaze of light.
The table groaned beneath the massive plate: the banquet was choice and luxurious in the highest degree.