ed. Irish anecdotes are always popular
in England, as promoting, besides the wholesome shake of the sides, a
kindly sense of superiority. Anecdotes also are portable, unlike the
lightning flash, which will not go into the pocket; they can be carried
home, they are disbursable at other tables. These were Diana's weapons.
She was perforce the actress of her part.

In happier times, when light of heart and natural, her vogue had not
been so enrapturing. Doubtless Cleopatra in her simple Egyptian uniform
would hardly have won such plaudits as her stress of barbaric Oriental
splendours evoked for her on the swan and serpent Nile-barge--not from
posterity at least. It is a terrible decree, that all must act who would
prevail; and the more extended the audience, the greater need for the
mask and buskin.

From Lady Pennon's table Diana passed to Lady Crane's, Lady Esquart's,
Lady Singleby's, the Duchess of Raby's, warmly clad in the admiration
she excited. She appeared at Princess Therese Paryli's first ball of the
season, and had her circle, not of worshippers only. She did not dance.
The princess, a fair Austrian, benevolent to her sisterhood, an admirer
of Diana's contrasting complexion, would have had her dance once in
a quadrille of her forming, but yielded to the mute expression of the
refusal. Wherever Mrs. Warwick went, her arts of charming were addressed
to the women. Men may be counted on for falling bowled over by a
handsome face and pointed tongue; women require some wooing from their
ensphered and charioted sister, particularly if she is clouded; and old
women--excellent buttresses--must be suavely courted. Now, to woo
the swimming matron and court the settled dowager, she had to win
forgiveness for her beauty; and this was done, easily done, by
forbearing to angle with it in the press of nibblers. They ranged about
her, individually unnoticed. Seeming unaware of its effect where it
kindled, she smote a number of musical female chords, compassion among
them. A general grave affability of her eyes and smiles was taken
for quiet pleasure in the scene. Her fitful intentness of look when
conversing with the older ladies told of the mind within at work upon
what they said, and she was careful that plain dialogue should make her
comprehensible to them. Nature taught her these arts, through which her
wit became extolled entirely on the strength of her reputation, and her
beauty did her service by never taking aim abroad.