CHAPTER V.

Lady Monmouth was reclining on a sofa in that beautiful boudoir which had been fitted up under the superintendence of Mr. Rigby, but as he then believed for the Princess Colonna. The walls were hung with amber satin, painted by Delaroche with such subjects as might be expected from his brilliant and picturesque pencil. Fair forms, heroes and heroines in dazzling costume, the offspring of chivalry merging into what is commonly styled civilisation, moved in graceful or fantastic groups amid palaces and gardens. The ceiling, carved in the deep honeycomb fashion of the Saracens, was richly gilt and picked out in violet. Upon a violet carpet of velvet was represented the marriage of Cupid and Psyche.

It was about two hours after Coningsby had quitted Monmouth House, and Flora came in, sent for by Lady Monmouth as was her custom, to read to her as she was employed with some light work.

''Tis a new book of Sue,' said Lucretia. 'They say it is good.'

Flora, seated by her side, began to read. Reading was an accomplishment which distinguished Flora; but to-day her voice faltered, her expression was uncertain; she seemed but imperfectly to comprehend her page. More than once Lady Monmouth looked round at her with an inquisitive glance. Suddenly Flora stopped and burst into tears.

'O! madam,' she at last exclaimed, 'if you would but speak to Mr. Coningsby, all might be right!'

'What is this?' said Lady Monmouth, turning quickly on the sofa; then, collecting herself in an instant, she continued with less abruptness, and more suavity than usual, 'Tell me, Flora, what is it; what is the matter?'

1. Where is Lady Monmouth?
2. Is it a nice one?
3. Who did the artwork on the walls?
4. Is he a good artist?
5. What color is the ceiling?
6. Who's union is depicted?
7. What is Lady Monmouth resting on?
8. Who was this room supposed to be for?
9. Who was under the impression it would be hers?
10. Who did Lady Monmouth ask to see?
11. Why?
12. Who had left the house by then?
13. How long had he been gone?
14. Where did Flora sit?
15. Is she good at reading?
16. Who starts to cry?
17. Had she been doing a good job with the reading?
18. What was Lady Monmouth doing while she read?
19. What is being read?
20. What does Flora want her to do?
1. in the boudoir
2. yes
3. Delaroche
4. yes
5. violet
6. Cupid and Psyche
7. a sofa
8. Princess Colonna
9. Mr. Rigby
10. Flora
11. to read to her
12. Coningsby
13. about two hours
14. by her side
15. yes
16. Flora
17. no
18. some light work
19. a new book called Sue
20. speak to Mr. Coningsby,