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"I see Drake told me that I should find you harder to ht," she said "When you

come to stay at the Hall it will be as irl, we can't pass over the great event as if it

were of no consequence Drake's engagement, under any circumstances,

would be of the deepest interest to all of us, to the whole country; but

his engagement to you will create a profound sensation, and we must

demonstrate our satisfaction in so dinner party"

Nell looked rather frightened

"Oh!" she breathed "Is--is it necessary? Can't we just go on as if--as

if nothing had happened?"

The countess laughed

"That's exactly what Drake said when I spoke to hiht

It is nice to find you so completely of one mind But I'm afraid it

wouldn't do You see, my dear, the people ant to see you, to be

introduced to you; and if we pursue the usual course there will be s slide Yes, you will have

to run the gauntlet; but I don't think you need be apprehensive of the