The fashionable beauty was not disappointed. The milliner sent the
costume ordered, but wrote to inform Miss Graham, with all due
circumlocution and politeness, that, unless her long-standing account
were quickly settled, legal proceedings must be taken. Lydia threw the
letter aside with a frown, and proceeded to inspect her dress, which
was perfect in its way.
But Miss Graham could scarcely repress a sigh of envy as she looked at
Lady Eversleigh's more simple toilet, and perceived that, with all its
appearance of simplicity, it was twice as costly as her own more
gorgeous attire. The jewels, too, were worth more than all the trinkets
Lydia possessed; and she knew that the treasures of Lady Eversleigh's
jewel-cases were almost inexhaustible, with such a lavish hand had her
husband heaped his gifts upon her.
"Perhaps he will not be so liberal with his presents in future,"
thought the malicious and disappointed woman, as she looked at Honoria,
and acknowledged to her own envious heart that never had she seen her
look more beautiful, more elegant, or more fitted to adorn the position
which Miss Graham would willingly have persuaded herself she disgraced.
"If he thinks that her love is bestowed upon another, he will scarcely
find such delight in future in offering her costly tributes of
affection."
There was a great deal of discussion as to who should occupy the
different carriages; but at last all was arranged apparently to every
one's satisfaction.
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