“Perhaps not in the sterling worth of the two,” replied Annie, glancing complacently on a large mirror; “but she is new, Malison—­quite new.  Her mother only kept her so long away that she might shine with greater brilliancy when introduced.  As for Caroline, I like her, as far as she assists my plans, and by her silly, or, if that would serve me better, criminal conduct, takes somewhat away from her mother’s perfection, and by the pain Mrs. Hamilton will feel, gratify my overpowering detestation.  Malison, you look delighted.  Your assistance I am sure of, if I require it; for you dislike this paragon of her sex almost as much as I do.”

“Indeed I do.  I have never forgotten nor forgiven her presumption a year or two ago, in hinting so broadly I was mistaken in my treatment of Lilla, and that gentleness would have much better effect; gentleness indeed, with a girl that would tire the patience of a saint.  She is always worse after having been with this Mrs. Hamilton, and I suppose it will be all over again now.  I wish, with your charming plans, my dear Miss Grahame, you would find one to prevent all intercourse between the Hamiltons and your sister.”

“At present, ma chere, such a thing is out of my power, but we will not despair; although the more you would say about Miss Lilla being undeserving of such indulgence, the more papa would answer, let her go and she will learn to be better there.  I heard him give mamma peremptory orders the other day, when we prevented her going, never to refuse whenever Mrs. Hamilton invited her.  Severity is a most admirable method, my good Malison; you will break her spirit if you persevere, notwithstanding all the amiable Mrs. Hamilton may do or say.”

“I wish I may; but you have not told me all yet.  How proceed your schemes with Lord Alphingham?”

“To perfection!  I have given Caroline a distaste for every other kind of person.  She has met him, you know, once or twice here, and that was sufficient to fascinate her.  She thinks him the handsomest and most delightful man she ever knew.  It is enough for Mr. Hamilton to see him a friend of papa’s to be attracted towards him; in all probability he will be introduced at his house, and then my scheme will be still easier.  It will not be difficult to talk Caroline into fancying herself desperately in love with him, and he with her—­he is already attracted; and when I see the aspect of affairs favourable, I will just get some kind friend to whisper into Mrs. Hamilton’s ear some of the pretty tales I have heard of this Viscount, and you will see what will follow.  These on dits are, fortunately for my plans, only known among my coterie.  With us, they only render Lord Alphingham more interesting; but with Mrs. Hamilton they would have the effect of banishing him for ever from her presence and from the notice of her daughter; the catastrophe, my dear creature, shall be the perfection of diplomacy, but of that hereafter.  I owe Lord Alphingham a spite, which I will pay off one day, for his desertion of me the moment Caroline appeared.  I may do all I wish with, one word.  All my present intention is, by a gradual yet sure process, to undermine Caroline’s confidence in her mother, and make me her confidant instead, and if I do that, the rest is easy.”