friend, Lady Emily Lorimer-you will like one another, I can answer for that."

A regular introduction took place, and Mr. Altamont of course joined their party.

During the whole of Mrs. Neville's evolutions, Lord Mowbray attended Lady Emily's footsteps; and when, about midnight, a summons was given to the company to view the fireworks, he offered her the assistance of his arm to conduct her through the gardens. There is something so sociable in the acceptance of an arm-it facilitates conversation-it is, for the time being, an interchange of kindness-a tender of service from the one party, and an implied trust on the other, which is gratifying to both. In the present instance, however, it did not seem productive of much ease of intercourse: neither Lady Emily nor Lord Mowbray spoke; while, on the contrary, Mr. Altamont and Mrs. Neville never ceased talking.

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Come," said the former, turning to Lord Mowbray, you seem so very silent, that I

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think you must be tired of your post, however

extraordinary it appears that such should be

the case; so let us change partners awhile. You will keep Mrs. Neville in order. She is a great deal too lively for me; and I will venture to say, I will make Lady Emily laugh. Come, Lord Mowbray, do not be such a monopoliser. Lady Emily, do me the honour," and he extended his arm to her.

"You forget, my dear Altamont, that Lady Emily might be the death of one of us, if she were thus to decide in favour of either. I am not sure that even your cloth would protect you; no, no, dull as I may be, Lady Emily has accepted my arm, and it must be only at her especial desire that I can relinquish the honour she has conferred."

Mr. Altamont bowed, saying jocosely, "Oh, oh! is it so?" then, blowing his fingers, added, "burnt children dread the fire-I shall know better another time how to address your Lordship." And he whispered to Mrs. Neville, "This begins to look serious. But pray, my dear Madam, tell me since when has this hot flame been kindled ?”

"Well, to be sure, it is beyond belief if it is

kindled, for I declare I never heard of it; well, charming, charming! I vow and declare, there is nothing I should like better! She is a delightful creature, thoroughly good, that I can answer for-none of your flimsy fashionable dolls! With all the graces of refinement, she combines the every-day substantial qualities of head and heart within and without."

"And be she what she may," observed Mr. Altamont, "Lord Mowbray is worthy of her."

"He!-Oh-I don't know what he is!-so strange, so unequal, so mysterious! I told him just now, I hated mysteries; straight forward for me-well to be sure, more mischief is done by your mysterious folks, than by any other set that go about. Do you know I have fancied there is something between him and the Rosalinda, which may prevent his being a marrying man; and I'd tear his eyes out, if I thought he intended to make that sweet girl Lady Emily unhappy. It is beyond belief, how I could hate him if I thought that were possible."

"It is quite impossible, my dear Mrs.

Neville, I am sure he never intended to make anything, much less anybody, unhappy in his life."

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May be so; but intentions are one thing, and actions are another."

"Humph!" said Mr. Altamont, as if overcome with the heat and pressure of the crowd.

At that moment, they came up to Lady Frances, who was leaning on Lord Bellamont's arm, but turning her head and talking to a number of young men over her opposite shoulder. Her dress was splendid and glittering among the lights, and she herself was radiant in beauty.

"Bless me!” cried Mrs. Neville, seizing hold of her petticoat, "what have you got here? borrowed plumes, borrowed plumes! Well, to be sure, it is beyond belief; so you wheedled Lady Emily out of her beautiful dress-the more shame for you; I never missed it from her, she is so lovely without it; but now I see it upon you, I remember all about it.”

"Come away," whispered Lady Frances to Lord Bellamont," let us avoid this horrible

vulgar woman; I have steered clear of her

hitherto."

"How very unlucky! but now I fear it is impossible,” replied Lord Bellamont," and there is the signal-rocket."

Lady Emily now came forward, and her sister could not avoid standing close by her, although she would gladly have evaded the neighbourhood. "Really, Emily," said she at length," you look vastly well; you cannot think how that white dress becomes you, does she not, my Lord ?" turning to Lord Bellamont.

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The latter sighed, as he replied: “ Lady Emily is secure of one great point towards the perfection of all beauty, namely, the unconsciousness she evinces to her own charms."

"I am afraid I am as vain as most people," said Lady Emily, laughing; "it is only because you do not know me thoroughly, that you invest me with so much undeserved humility."

"Bless me!" rejoined Lady Frances, with ill disguised pettishness, "what a pity it is that you two are not to be linked together in the