“ ’Twas by her Grace’s command I came to make your acquaintance, and my own inclination seconded it. If I speak as a friend—are you happy in your profession? You appear very young.”
“I shall be nineteen before very long, Madam. Yes—I thank you—I am happy, though I must own that it has disadvantages not known across the footlights. But her Grace’s goodness has smoothed my way. She is a wonderful lady.”
“You say true. She has a heart as great as her face is beautiful, and knows not fear.”
“O happy!” sighs Diana, “I would I were not afraid. But her Grace teaches me courage.”
“You have met company here?”
“Very few, Madam. Mr. Gay, Mrs. Pendarves, Lady Granville. I think no more.”
“You have not then met his Grace the Duke of Bolton?”
You’ll allow ’twas searching, since the fair actress evaded the name. Lady Fanny’s keen observation marked the change in her face,—a shade of reserve—a something difficult to record in speech.
“I have had that honour, Madam.”
“He is a friend of mine also. A gentleman kind and noble in all his thoughts. His life more melancholy than his goodness deserves.”