MES. WINTERBOTTOJl'S ANNOYANCE. 295 



returned home; the ladies much improved in appearance by 

 their exercise, which had restored the roses to their cheeks, and 

 dispelled the languor of the preceding night. 



The next morning Constance returned Mrs. Winterbottom's 

 visit, explaining to her that, Lady Malcolm being no relative of 

 her own, she could not take the liberty of preferring her request 

 about the presentation of herself and daughter at the drawing- 

 room. " In fact," said Constance, " I am only a visitor in 

 Grosvenor Square, and therefore could not presume to make 

 such an overture to her ladyship, although I should be most 

 happy to oblige you in anything which depended on myself." 



" But you might get Lord Malcolm or Miss Douglas to 

 speak for you, my dear," replied Mrs. Winterbottom ; " or 

 what's the use of friends and relations, if they won't do kind 

 acts one for another ? " 



" Lord Malcolm makes a point of never interfering with his 

 mother's arrangements in any way," continued Constance, " as 

 she is very particular in some respects, even with her own son ; 

 and Miss Douglas is equally averse to asking such a favour of 

 her aunt, to whom she is at present under so many obligations, 

 as well as myself." 



" Oh, very well, Miss Beauchamp ; it don't signify making 

 such a fuss about a trine ; but we aint grand enough for you 

 quality folk, that's the secret." 



" You have no reason to say that," replied Constance, rather 

 indignantly, " of me or any of my family, as we have all shown 

 you every attention in our power." 



" Well, my dear, I did not mean to make any reflections 

 against your worthy father, yourself, or young Squire Beau- 

 champ ; so don't be angry with me. And as you can't speak 

 to Lady Malcolm, I must make papa look out for somebody else 

 to present us at Court. Most things to be had in London for a 

 consideration." 



"ISTo doubt," replied Constance, as she rose to take her 

 leave. 



