The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
A MARRIAGE
IN HIGH LIFE.
EDITED BY
THE AUTHORESS OF ‘FLIRTATION.’
PREFACE.
The following pages, which I nowoffer to the public, may, perhaps, notattract general interest; they containmerely a few passages in the history ofthe heart and feelings of an individualplaced in singular and trying circumstances;but those who should recognizebeneath the feigned name of LadyFitzhenry, one whom they may rememberto have seen in the gay scenes ofivfashionable life, will probably feel someinterest in the events which occasionedher first introduction into the world,and her sudden disappearance from it.
CHAPTER I.
Towards the end of a London spring,that is to say, about the middle of August,was married by special license,2at her father’s house in Harley Street,Emmeline Benson to Ernest, Lord Fitzhenry,only son of the Earl of Arlingford.
The ceremony was like most othersof its kind; the drawing-room wascrowded with relations and friends onboth sides, dressed in congratulatorysmiles, and new bridal finery.
Emmeline’s father, an opulent citymerchant and banker, appeared arrayedin a complete new suit for the occasion.The first gloss was not off his coat,which hung stiff upon him, as if notyet reconciled to the homely person towhich it was destined to belong, whileeach separate bright button reflectedthe collected company. His countenanceglowing with happiness, he busiedhimse