THE LADY OF FASHION. BY THE AUTHOR OF "THE HISTORY OF A FLIRT," "THE ROSES," SUCCESSORS TO HENRY COLBURN, 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 1856. 249. x, 23. THE LADY OF FASHION. CHAPTER I. THE gaieties of Barnardiston Court had been for some years the envy and amusement of a populous portion of Sussex. It was an ancient place, and had passed in sombre grandeur, from one generation to another, since the stirring entrance of William the Conqueror, without any peculiar renown attaching to any of its proprietors, except the hereditary distinction of surpassing dulness. The first Barnardiston came in the Conqueror's train, and received from him the grant of lands and VOL. I. B immunities, including a baronial castle, which his successors had gradually enlarged and adorned, till it arose a glorious place, and attracted public attention. The annals of Barnardiston, however, recorded no exploits connected with its occupants beyond one hard hearted Judge, and a remarkably disagreeable, fiery General, whose violence had alienated the affections of his vassals and neighbours, and made him a nuisance in the country. General Barnardiston's portrait occupied a distinguished position in the baronial hall-there he stood, leaning upon his heavy sword, with one hand fiercely thrust into his bosom, his whole person and attitude denoting pride and arrogance; yet the General was considered, in after times, as a bright, particular star, among the worthies of Sussex, when all minor annoyances had passed into oblivion, and it was only remembered that Hugh Wilhelm Barnardiston had assisted King Charles in his flight, defended him bravely to the last, and welcomed him home again in power. With these two exceptions, the Barnardistons passed away little known, beyond being dull proprietors of a splendid property. It was remarked by all visitors who were allowed to throng Barnardiston Court on stated days, that the family portraits which were ranged along the eastern gallery gave token of the Barnardiston characteristics. The men were dull, insignificant looking personages, and their ladies had all light blue eyes and pale faces. There was no talent in such countenances, and why they should be allowed to exist there, no one could surmise— it only kept alive in people's memories what dull households had filled that ancient pile. Not There was another thing peculiar to Barnardiston, which was unfathomable. one of its wealthy owners had intermarried with the nobility of the land, or brought in a dashing stranger to vary its dull routine. Not an acre had been bought or sold by anyone bearing the name; the property remained in its original integrity, and one century certified |