Still, the need was not a pressing one; she could worry along, as she had so often done before, with the hope of some happy change of fortune to sustain her; and meanwhile life was gay and beautiful and easy, and she was conscious of figuring not unworthily in such a setting.
She was engaged to breakfast that morning with the Duchess of Beltshire, and at twelve o'clock she asked to be set ashore in the gig.

Before this she had sent her maid to enquire if she might see Mrs.Dorset; but the reply came back that the latter was tired, and trying to sleep.

Lily thought she understood the reason of the rebuff.

Her hostess had not been included in the Duchess's invitation, though she herself had made the most loyal efforts in that direction.

But her grace was impervious to hints, and invited or omitted as she chose.