She could not have told why she thus wept; she only knew that she was wretched, that the light-heartedness once so peculiarly her own had fled, it seemed, for ever, and she shrunk almost in loathing from the hour when she should meet Lord Alphingham again; and when it came, even his presence cheered her not.

He soothed, even gently reproached, but as he did so there was somewhat in his eye she had never seen before, and which struck terror.

Subdued as it was it told of passions from which she had believed him exempt, and added additional pain to her distress.

Noticing what she termed the indisposition of her young friend, the Duchess kindly advised her to remain quiet, nor join the gay party, till it had passed away; but as she spoke, Caroline observed the severe and scrutinizing glance of the Duchess again fixed upon her, and, contrary to her advice, appeared as usual at dinner.
Days passed, and Lord Alphingham's plan was matured, and submitted to Caroline's sanction.

A _fete_, similar to that given by the Duchess, only commencing at a later hour, to permit a superb display of fireworks on the grounds, was to be given by a neighbouring nobleman, to which all the members of the Duchess's party were invited.