well that it was impossible to proceed without a few hours' rest, which Isabella's situation compelled them to renew at Canterbury, so that it was nine o'clock when they arrived at the hotel where their courier had been sent to procure accommodation, Lord Allerton's house not being in readiness for his reception.
The very first thing was to secure all possible comforts for Francis II., who, albeit small, was great in the eyes of all; when, finding that the Count had already set out for Welbeck Street, they put themselves into the most comfortable coach which could be procured at the moment, and followed. It was between nine and ten; few people were stirring, but several carriages were standing near the place where Lady Anne lived, and their courier, who was still in attendance, on alighting to look for the number, said "there was a rout at the house, which was lighted up and company entering."
"Poor mamma has let her house and gone to the sea-coast," said Lady Allerton: but, just as she was about to give orders for inquiry, the Count, opening the carriage-door, cried out with more than his usual buoyancy* [1]—
- ↑ * There is something in the frank simplicity of a well-conditioned Italian that makes one fling aside one's mask of worldliness, as a man strips off his coat.—(Cecil a Peer.)—Ed. note.
