The very thought of such a triumph for Mrs. Grundy in her
_role_ of social astronomer, as she sits in her watch tower, telescope
in hand, turns my brain. My heart aches for a letter, for though my
written words seem to me cold; I shall devour yours, simply as coming
from your pen. Come to me quick, my love; I must have a letter and I
must have you. In a stationer's to-day I saw a photo of you in a case
with those of Mrs. Cornwallis West, Langtry and Wheeler, there were
just the four; you all sold, my darling, at five shillings each. The
stationer said, condescendingly, 'that you would all bring a higher
figure, but he merely wished to educate the masses to a high standard
of beauty. His monetary benefit was quite a minor consideration.' The
fellow's manner amused me; but you see, love, that the future Lady
Trevalyon in thus educating the masses reigns in the heart of mankind,
and not only in the heart of the man who only lives in her love...."
"I am more than glad, Vaura, _ma chere_, that Dame Fortune is
playing so smilingly into dear Lionel's hands," said Lady Esmondet,
as she read aloud the letter she had received from Trevalyon on the
morning of the 30th.
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