and the occupation. However, we have some excuse; we go to these
assemblies to sell our daughters, or flirt with our neighbours' wives. A
ballroom is nothing more or less than a great market-place of beauty. For
my part, were I a buyer, I should like making my purchases in a less
public mart.

"Come, Godolphin, a glass of champagne," cried the young Lord Belvoir, as
they sat near each other at the splendid supper.

"With all my heart; but not from that bottle! We must have a new one; for
this glass is pledged to Lady Delmour, and I would not drink to her health
but from the first sparkle! Nothing tame, nothing insipid, nothing that
has lost its first freshness, can be dedicated to one so beautiful and
young."

The fresh bottle was opened, and Godolphin bowed over his glass to Lord
Belvoir's sister-a Beauty and a Blue. Lady Delmour admired Godolphin, and
she was flattered by a compliment that no one wholly educated in England
would have had the gallant courage to utter across a crowded table.

"You have been dancing?" said she.

"No!"

"What then?"

"What then?" said Godolphin. "Ah, Lady Delmour, do not ask." The look
that accompanied the word, supplied them with a meaning. "Need I add,"
said he, in a lower voice, "that I have been thinking of the most
beautiful person present?"