Kitty failed to meet him in society; certain invitations that
for once she coveted did not arrive; and in a fit of pique she declared
that she would make acquaintance with him in her own way. On a certain
occasion, when the Princeling was at the play, his attention was drawn
to a small and dazzling creature in a box opposite his own. Presently,
however, there was a commotion in this box. The dazzling creature had
fainted; and rumor sent round the name of Lady Kitty Ashe. The Prince
despatched an equerry to make inquiries, and the inquiries were repeated
that evening in Hill Street. Recovery was prompt, and the Prince let it
be known that he wished to meet the lady. Invitations from high quarters
descended upon Kitty; she bore herself with an engaging carelessness,
and the melancholy youth was soon spending far more pains upon her than
he had yet been known to spend upon any other English beauties presented
to him. Ashe and Kitty's friends laughed; the old general in charge of
the Princeling took alarm. And presently Kitty's audacities, alack,
carried away her discretion; she began, moreover, to boast of her ruse.
Whispers crept round; and the general's ears were open.
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