"Most confidential.
"My dearest Lady Marney,

"It is a false report: he is ill, but not dangerously; the
hay
fever; he always has it; nothing more: I will tell my
authority when we meet; I dare not write it. It will
satisfy
you. I am going on with my quadrille.

"Most affectionately yours,
"A. St J."


"Poor woman! she is always wrong," said Lady Marney throwing
the note to Egremont. "Her quadrille will never take place,
which is a pity, as it is to consist only of beauties and
eldest sons. I suppose I must send her a line," and she
wrote:


"My dearest Lady St Julians,

"How good of you to write to me, and send me such cheering
news! I have no doubt you are right: you always are: I
know
he had the hay fever last year. How fortunate for your
quadrille, and how charming it will be! Let me know if
you
hear anything further from your unmentionable quarter.