“Not she,” replied Annie, laughing.  “She dare not tell papa, and she knows it is of no use appealing to mamma, who implicitly believes all you tell her of Miss Lilla’s excessive obstinacy, idleness, and passionate temper in which she so constantly indulges; your deep regrets that either of Lady Helen Grahame’s daughters should be such a character have succeeded so admirably.  I have had such a struggle to obtain mamma’s promise to go with me to-night, that I really feel exhausted,” and the young lady threw herself in a most graceful attitude of listlessness on a sofa that stood invitingly beside lier.

“But have you succeeded?”

“Admirably! at length mamma thinks I am most amiable.  My persuasions were so eloquent, that the most obdurate person could not have resisted them.  I tried violence and sulkiness at first, thinking to frighten or worry her into compliance; but finding both fail, I was compelled to have recourse to humiliation and persuasion.  If it had continued much longer, I should have choked by the way; it is quite a relief to breathe freely again.  What do you think of her wishing me to go under the care of Mrs. Hamilton to-night?  I really could hardly control my horror at the idea.”

“Horrible, indeed!  What would have become of all your plans, if you had?”

“My dear creature, I would not have gone with her for worlds; but, however, I think my plans are in too good training for one night spent under her eyes to injure them.  Caroline is beginning, I think, to feel somewhat like a slave under this keen surveillance of her paragon mother, and to pine for the freedom of thought and act which I so unboundedly enjoy.  She only wants a little of my good advice and better example, to become really a girl of spirit.”

“But take care the spirit you are calling forth does not turn against you,” observed Miss Malison.

“Not at all likely, ma chere.  I am careful only to excite it to serve my own purposes.  She likes me, I believe, and I can make her what I please.  Let her confidence in her mother be once destroyed, you will see if she does not act as foolishly as I can desire.  She has been buried in the country so long, she is a mere infant with regard to all that concerns a life of fashion; and, therefore, will be gladly led by one she considers so completely au fait at its mysteries as myself.  I used to like her in the country, because she always listened so eagerly to all I said about London.  I saw she envied me even when we were children, and therefore fancied myself a most important personage.”

“And do you like her now?”

“You are laughing at me, chere Malison.  You know I cannot bear a rival, and this girl’s dazzling beauty will completely cast me in the shade.”

“You don’t mean to say her beauty can be compared to yours?” interrupted Miss Malison.