CHAPTER XV.
There is a festival where knights and dames, And aught that wealth or lofty lineage claims, Appear.
'T is he,--how came he thence?
What doth he here?
Lara.
There are two charming situations in life for a woman,--one, the first freshness of heiressship and beauty; the other, youthful widowhood, with a large jointure.

It was at least Lucy's fortune to enjoy the first.

No sooner was she fairly launched into the gay world than she became the object of universal idolatry.

Crowds followed her wherever she moved nothing was talked of or dreamed of, toasted or betted on, but Lucy Brandon; even her simplicity, and utter ignorance of the arts of fine life, enhanced the eclat of her reputation.

Somehow or other, young people of the gentler sex are rarely ill-bred, even in their eccentricities; and there is often a great deal of grace in inexperience.