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my lord," said she, entering the box, "what is become of your friend Belfont? Have you seen him lately ? How does he bear his misfortunes? I am really sorrow for the unfortunate youth?"
"My friend," replied Bremere, "is infinitely obliged to your ladyship for the concern you take in his distress."
"Why, you know, my lord," returned Lady Caroline, "one can't help being concerned for the distresses of those who were of one's acquaintance. I profess," continued she, “ the news of his ruin astonished me prodigously; and I assure you, I felt myself extremely hurt at it; for his lordship had paid me much attention, and I began to think I had made a conquest. It is, however," added she, "very fortunate that the affair ended as it did; for you know, it would have been a shocking thing to have involved one's self in such difficulties."
"True, madam," replied Bremere; who, by her ladyship's discourse, found she was the person to whom Belfont alluded, as having attracted his particular notice; "but, after all, whatever diminution the fortune of Lord Belfont has received, be assured, it is still sufficient to support the woman whom he shall honour with his hand, in a stile of elegance that might sooth the most extensive vanity!" And, without waiting her ladyship's reply, bowed, and wished her good night, disgusted with the affected concern she expressed for his friend's imaginary distress, which was but ill calculated to conceal the spirit of malevolence that rankled in her bosom.
Lady Caroline concluded, what he had said was only to shelter his friend from the censure of the
