Merton, who was getting very tired of a conversation which as yet had not turned on his sort of game.

Adelaide was too scientific to prolong her stay: she had made her impression, and never had she looked more lovely. The slight, finely turned shape was seen to advantage in the close habit; its dark colour was in good contrast to a cheek flushed into the purest and most brilliant crimson by exercise; while her bright hair, relaxed by the rain, hung down in that half-curled state, perhaps its most becoming. A lingering hope of the covies gave unusual animation to her brother's manner, when he hoped their acquaintance was only begun : here Adelaide interposed:

"Mamma would be so delighted to offer her thanks. I am such a spoiled child, that every thing is of consequence. You do not know what an important thing a cold of mine

is.

But really we are such quiet people, I am afraid to ask you where there is so little inducement, unless"-and here she laughed one of those sweet frank laughs of childish reliance

unless

you come to see ourselves."

What could a gentleman say

but yes

such quiet people," " only ourselves?" Why

a refusal would be downright rude: nothing like putting a person under an obligation of doing what they wish. Our recluse said, "He must do himself the honour of inquiring if Lady Adelaide had taken cold."

Off they rode, and left a blank behind. Etheringhame took up a book, and thought how much pleasanter it was to talk than to read. He walked out-looked at his watch wondered it was not later-wished dinner were ready; in short, was in that most uncomfortable situation of a young gentleman who has nothing to do: went to bed, and spent a restless night.

66

Very well managed," said Adelaide, as they rode that morning away from the pavilion.

"I am sure," rejoined Merton, "I would not have gone in but for your promise about the shooting. Not a word did you say, though: -you won't find it so easy to take me in again."

"Wait a little, my good brother, and when those manors are at my feet, you shall shoot over them till you have killed partridges enow for a pyramid."

A single "humph"-much the same sort of

reply as the swine made to the lady in love with him—was the fraternal answer; and they proceeded homewards.

With all the pleasant consciousness of meritorious endeavour and successful pursuit, did Adelaide hasten to her mother's dressing-room, which only that very morning had been the scene of most ungracious recrimination, — the daughter complaining bitterly of a summer of life's most important, i. e. most marriageable time, being wasted in a neighbourhood whose only resemblance to heaven was, that there was neither marrying nor giving in marriage, there

was not so much as a widower in the county.

Certainly, her uncle Mr. Stanmore's residence,

where they

were upon a visit, had but a poor perspective for a young lady with speculation The mother, in return, eloquent

in her

eyes.

on the folly of flirtation, and the involvement of debt-said Edward Lorraine might have

been

secured and the parties had separated in sullen silence.

Lady Lauriston was therefore proportionably surprised to see the young lady re-enter, all smiles, eagerness, and apologies. Her adven

tures

and assistance promised. Lord Etheringhame's

were soon recounted-plans formed

noble descent and nobler fortune rose in vivid

perspective.

The next morning Lady Adelaide was surprised by her visitor at her harp. The open window and the figure were quite a pictureand Algernon had an eye for the picturesque. The Countess, however, only allowed time for effect, and entered. Conversation was soon pleasantly and easily begun. Nothing like feminine facilities for discourse; and with little talent and less information,-but with a tact, which, commenced by interest and sharpened by use, stood in lieu of both,-Lady Lauriston was a woman with whom it would be as wearisome to talk as it would be to perambulate long a straight gravel walk and neatly arranged flowers; but the first approach was easy-nay, even inviting. Lady Adelaide was what the French term spirituelle—one of those" epithets which, like their bijouterie and souvenirs, are so neatly turned. Both saw at a glance that the common topics of the day would have reduced Algernon to silence;-he could take no part where he was so profoundly ignorant. Each, therefore, aided the other in guiding the dialogue to general subjects of taste, blent with a little tone of sentiment.

Imperceptibly the morning slipped away. Mr. Stanmore came in. Lady Lauriston confessed the early hours they kept. Dinner was just ready, and Lord Etheringhame staid; and after, when the gentlemen were left to their wine tête-à-tête-for Merton was from homethe uncle unconsciously forwarded all their plans. A plain, good man, whose kindness was the only obstacle to his shrewdness, and who, if sometimes wrong in his judgment, was only so from leaning to the favourable side, Mr. Stanmore was rejoiced to see his neighbour, though but for a day, leave a seclusion which very much militated against the ideas of one whose utility was of the most active description. A man of less warmth of heart might have been too indifferent-one of more refinement too delicate-to touch on Lord Etheringhame's habits. A kindly intention is often the best eloquence; and whether the prosperity of an argument, like that of a jest, lies in the ear of him who hears, certainly Mr. Stanmore had not his arguments so frequently followed by conviction. But the repose of our recluse had lately been broken in upon by divers and vexatious complaints. Grievances to be redressed, leases to be renewed, and a few plain