Page:Lady Anne Granard 2.pdf/201

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LADY ANNE GRANARD.
199

the real business of the day was impeded by it; nevertheless, it was recruited as fast (for the heat compelled certain to retire) by new comers, many of whom were said to have arrived from Dieppe since the commencement of the fair, and, after making a hasty toilet, determined to see what was stirring before they proceeded homewards.

It was with considerable difficulty that Lord Meersbrook, who had now seen the bazaar with all its phases (and made up his mind as to its Janus properties of containing both good and evil), really could reach Lady Anne's stand, and secure, which he determined to do, the remainder of articles touched by Helen's pencil. Lady Penrhyn attended to him with officious zeal; but Lady Anne interposed so as to gain his ear for a moment, when, with a truly maternal air, she whispered the question—

"You are of your father's political opinions, I apprehend? He was not a man whose sentiments could be forgotten or forsaken."

"I am," said the young nobleman, his heart beating with remembered conversations, and emotions of love and reverence.

"Then be careful how you accept invitations. To a large dinner, or an evening party, you may go with pleasure and safety indiscriminately, be the party of what side it may; but a breakfast or dinner, en famille, with those whom hereafter you will know as political opponents, may embarrass you exceedingly. There