Worthington himself,
master of the difficult art of declining verse as if it were bad prose,
rehearsed the Prologue and Epilogue in a master's gown and mortarboard,
which he would retain for the rest of the afternoon. It was in that guise
that, his caution deserting him, he allowed himself to dwell upon
Sanchia's beauty.
Lady Maria had taken her down to Walton in mid-July; she had chanced to
meet Melusine there, and the two had embraced as sisters should. It is to
be owned that her adoption by Charles Street had restored her credit with
her family more certainly than any white sheet and taper which she could
have supported would have done. Her mother was highly gratified, though
she affected a shrug when good Mr. Percival, in the simplicity of his
heart, overflowed with the joy of it. "Sancie in Berkeley Square--where
Lord Rosebery lives: think of that, my dear!" And Mrs. Percival, who knew
where Lord Rosebery lived as well as anybody, would reply, "These things
will be balanced hereafter. Neither you nor I, Welbore, are assessing
angels, I believe. I pray to God that she has made her peace with our
Church." "Chapel Royal," said Mr. Percival, "will be her ladyship's
ticket--or St.
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