Every one then agreed that, while the highest rank in the kingdom had been there, rank had been the least attraction; and those who before had found Constance repellent, were the very persons who now expatiated with the greatest rapture on the sweetness of her manners.

Then, too, every one who had been admitted to the coterie dwelt on the rarity of the admission; and thus, all the world were dying for an introduction to Erpingham House--partly, because it was agreeable--principally, because it was difficult.
It soon became a compliment to the understanding to say of a person, "He goes to Lady Erpingham's!" They who valued themselves on their understandings moved heaven and earth to become popular with the beautiful countess.

Lady Delville was not asked; Lady Delville was furious: she affected disdain, but no one gave her credit for it.

Lord Erpingham teased Constance on this point.
"You see I was right; for you have affronted Lady Delville.

She has made Delville look coolly on me; in a few weeks he will be a Tory; think of that, Lady Erpingham!" "One month more," answered Constance, with a smile, "and you shall see." One night, Lady Delville and Lady Erpingham met at a large party.