Mrs. Norbury and her brother Francis had then already
started on their journey to Italy--at least three weeks before the date
at which the new hotel was to open for the reception of travellers.
The person answerable for this premature departure was Francis Westwick.
Like his younger brother Henry, he had increased his pecuniary
resources by his own enterprise and ingenuity; with this difference,
that his speculations were connected with the Arts.
He had made money, in the first instance, by a weekly newspaper;
and he had then invested his profits in a London theatre.
This latter enterprise, admirably conducted, had been rewarded
by the public with steady and liberal encouragement. Pondering over
a new form of theatrical attraction for the coming winter season,
Francis had determined to revive the languid public taste for the ballet
by means of an entertainment of his own invention, combining dramatic
interest with dancing. He was now, accordingly, in search of the
best dancer (possessed of the indispensable personal attractions)
who was to be found in the theatres of the Continent.
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