CHAPTER XXVIII
The important morning came, and with it the four carriages-and-four, and Lady Portmore, resplendent in feathers and silks, and much to be admired, till Helen came in, looking like a genuine angel, so soft and white and bright. It is difficult for the unlearned to explain the component parts of a becoming dress, but some of the party observed that the embroidery on her silk pelisse must have been done at Lyons, to which Mrs. Douglas subjoined the oracular remark, "that it was a pity that it was white upon white." There was also a quantity of shining lace, ordinarily, I believe, termed blonde, floating about, and forming an admirable cloud for the angel to float on.
"Well, Helen, you have gone and done it," said Ernest.
"Am not I bien mise?" she said, blushing; "I have really taken a great deal of pains about my dress, that the people at N——— may approve of Lord Teviot's taste. You know it is my first appearance there."
"And mine," said Lady Portmore.
"And mine," added Mrs. Douglas, in a tone that made everybody laugh except Lady Portmore, and she went on, never minding.
"But, my dear Helen, we must not expect to attract much notice to-day. There stands the real lion."
"My importance as a lion will not come into play till I begin roaring," said Mr. G.; "and my constituents will be glad to have something to look upon, even if they deign to listen to me. Really, my dear Teviot," he whispered
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