"They are, your majesty."
The king rose in his stirrups, and made a low obeisance to the window
where they were standing.
"We shall have some court beauties, Beverley," said the king, looking
at him over his shoulder.
As soon as the ceremonies were over, and they could escape from their
personal attentions, Edward and his two friends went to the house in
which resided the Ladies Conynghame and his sisters.
We pass over the joy of this meeting after so many years' absence, and
the pleasure which it gave to Edward to find his sisters grown such
accomplished and elegant young women. That his two friends, who were,
as the reader will recollect, old acquaintances of Alice and Edith,
were warmly received, we hardly need say.
"Now, Edward, who do you think was here to-day--the reigning belle,
and the toast of all the gentlemen?"
"Indeed! I must be careful of my heart. Dear Edith, who is she?"
"No less than one with whom you were formerly well acquainted, Edward
--Patience Heatherstone."
"Patience Heatherstone," cried Edward, "the toast of all London!"
"Yes; and deservedly so, I can assure you; but she is as good as she
is handsome, and, moreover, treats all the gay gallants with perfect
indifference. She is staying with her uncle, Sir Ashley Cooper; and
her father is also in town, for he called here with her to-day.
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