but "what was the value of caste, if it did not absolve one from the usages of the vulgar? Lord Meersbrook talked of gratitude to Mrs. Palmer; but, then, he was a young man who had lived abroad, and did not understand the privileges of his order. Besides, his father was the first peer in his family; and they being remarkable, age after age, for their learning and virtues, chose to retain the character, even now the family peculiarities might be dispensed with. To be sure, a good many people of high rank did entertain the same notion; and, if convenient, it was desirable, on the whole, that the nobility should be honourable, and compassionate, and generous, especially to their own body; but to be grateful to those below them was carrying the thing too far, especially if a little haughtiness, or a mixture of suavity and insolence, would answer the purpose as well."
A whole string of great names rose, uncalled for, to Lady Anne's mind of her own compeers, whose lives are daily passing in the practice of every virtuous action and elegant occupation suitable to their high station, their talents, and attainments; but it was not agreeable to dwell on their characters. It required the goad of poverty, and all the native energy she possessed, "to screw her courage to the sticking point" to meet Mr. Palmer; but, as the sooner it was done the better, she set out to the "man over the way" in a few minutes, recalling the remembrance of her station, and the graces of her manners to her aid, whilst that
