CHAPTER XXII.
THE BRIDE ALONE .-- A DIALOGUE POLITICAL AND MATRIMONIAL .-- CONSTANCE GENIUS FOR DIPLOMACY .-- THE CHARACTER OF HER ASSEMBLIES .-- HER CONQUEST OVER LADY DELVILLE.
"Bring me that book; place that table nearer; and leave me." The Abigail obeyed the orders, and the young Countess of Erpingham was alone.

Alone! what a word for a young and beautiful bride in the first months of her marriage! Alone! and in the heart of that mighty city in which rank and wealth--and they were hers--are the idols adored by millions.
It was a room fancifully and splendidly decorated.

Flowers and perfumes were, however, its chief luxury; and from the open window you might see the trees in the old Mall deepening into the rich verdure of June.

That haunt, too--a classical haunt for London--was at the hour I speak of full of gay and idle life; and there was something fresh and joyous in the air, the sun, and the crowd of foot and horse that swept below.
Was the glory gone from your brow, Constance ?--or the proud gladness from your eye?
Alas! are not the blessings of the world like the enchanted bullets ?--that which pierces our heart is united with the gift which our heart desired! Lord Erpingham entered the room.

"Well, Constance," said he, "shall you ride on horseback to-day ?" "I think not." "Then I wish you would call on Lady Delville.