The Park, too, is not
yet empty, and perhaps is even more fascinating; like a beauty in a
consumption, who each day gets thinner and more fair. The young Duke
remained to the last; for we linger about our first season, as we
do about our first mistress, rather wearied, yet full of delightful
reminiscences.
BOOK II.
CHAPTER I.
_His Grace Meets an Early Love_
LADY APHRODITE and the Duke of St. James were for the first time parted;
and with an absolute belief on the lady's side, and an avowed conviction
on the gentleman's, that it was impossible to live asunder, they
separated, her Ladyship shedding some temporary tears, and his Grace
vowing eternal fidelity.
It was the crafty Lord Fitz-pompey who brought about this catastrophe.
Having secured his nephew as a visitor to Malthorpe, by allowing him
to believe that the Graftons would form part of the summer coterie,
his Lordship took especial care that poor Lady Aphrodite should not be
invited. 'Once part them, once get him to Malthorpe alone,' mused the
experienced Peer, 'and he will be emancipated. I am doing him, too, the
greatest kindness.
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