"I thought you had forsworn such things." "I make an exception to-night," he answered.

"I wished to see my fair friend Caroline where I have longed to see her." "You are honoured, indeed, Mrs.Hamilton," Lady Helen could not refrain from saying.

"He was not present at the _entree_ even of his own daughter." "And why was I not, Lady Helen?
because I would not by my presence give the world reason to say I also approved of the very early age at which Miss Grahame was introduced.

If I do not mistake, she is four months younger than Caroline, and yet my daughter is no longer a novice in such scenes as these." Lady Helen shrunk in terror from the stern glance of her husband, who little knew the pain he inflicted; and Mrs.Hamilton hastily, but cautiously drew her away to enter into conversation with the Marchioness of Malvern, who was near them, which little manoeuvre quickly removed the transient cloud; and though soon again compelled to seek the shelter of the quiet little room she had quitted, the friendly kindness of Mrs.
Hamilton succeeded in making Lady Helen's evening end more agreeably than it had begun.
"Are you only just released, Grahame ?" demanded Lord Alphingham, who still remained near Mr.Hamilton.
"You are less fortunate than I was, or perhaps you will think, in parliamentary concerns, more so; but as the ball was uppermost in my thoughts this evening, I was glad to find myself at liberty above an hour ago." "Is there nothing, then, stirring in the Upper House ?" "Nothing; I saw many of the noble members fast asleep, and those who spoke said little to the purpose.

When do you gentlemen of the Lower House send up your bill?
it will be a charity to give us something to do." "We shall be charitable then on Friday next, and I much doubt if you do not have some warm debating work.