given by the lady as much in the spirit of rivalry as hospitality. She had a countess on one hand, and a marchioness on the other, whose husbands were in the ministry. Moreover, the estates of the poorer of the two were treble in value to those she undertook to spend; but considering herself to be younger and handsomer than the countess, who was an established beauty, and as well born as the marchioness, she determined to cut as good a figure by spending as much money.
At one of their public dinners, a neighbouring squire, from the vicinity of K, addressing Mr. Graham, observed,
"I think you travelled a long time in Italy, sir?"
"I did; and should have been there still longer, if it had not been for the troubles of the country, as it entirely restored my sister Margaret's health, which was my object. We stayed till the movements of the French army compelled us to decamp, and were twice assisted by a nobleman, in whose neighbourhood we resided, or we might have been prisoners at this moment, as so many English are. In one instance, himself and dependants rescued us; in the other, he saved us by sending a countryman to inform us of our danger, and cause us to return rapidly to the place we had left, from whence we soon after were enabled to reach the sea. We were never able to thank him, but we must ever remember Count Riccardini gratefully."
"Signor Manuello is Count Riccardini, who teaches Italian at K," said a young lady, eagerly; "can it be the same, I wonder?"
