not be mistaken: but no consideration in the world must throw you off your guard at this moment; breathe not the shadow of what you know."
At this moment a servant entered and delivered a note to Lady Marney, who read it with an ironical smile. It was from Lady St. Julians, and ran thus :—
"My dearest Lady Marney,
"It is a false report: he is ill, but not dangerously; the hay fever; he always has it; nothing more; I will tell my authority when we meet; I dare not write it. It will satisfy you. I am going on with my quadrille.
"Most affectionately yours,
"Poor woman! she is always wrong," said Lady Marney throwing the note to Egremont.
"Her quadrille will never take place, which is a pity, as it is to consist only of beauties and eldest sons. I suppose I must send her a line," and she wrote:
