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for he is passionately fond of singing; and Murphy has kindly offered me what I've been so wishing for, a marmoset. Lady Delainey had one, but it died, poor thing! She will be half envious at my succeeding to get one before her; I hope he has not a second, for she'll be sure to worm it out of him. But here comes Agatha; she will confirm my praises of my party."

"Whom am I to praise ?" Agatha demanded, catching the sentence. "Is it your Fenelon of the Vale ?"

“We were talking of singing, and the piano-forte, not of Baptiste."

66

Ah, singing and instrumental music are two distinct things. People may sing and play, yet fall short of producing harmony."

"But, Agatha, you were charmed with the execution last night, surely?"

"It was unique, dear Mrs. Montague; pray let us have them every Wednesday."

"Do you think Miss MacVint as pretty as I led you to expect ?"

"I am reckoned a tiresome person as relates to beauty. My conception of it is, that it

should exceed anticipation, and strike one unawares. No, I do not think Miss Betsy even passable. A cherry cheek and embonpoint does not constitute perfection --oh, no! but let us have another treat soon, and make the Duke stay at home. They both seem more than dying to know him."

CHAPTER III.

"Sot! vous vous tromperiez toujours, c'est un Enfant !-c'est un Aiglon! qui fend l'air un instant, et retombe l'instant d'après dans son aire."

How changed every thing now appeared to the Duke! His mental elasticity was destroyed. Ennui had again taken entire possession of his mind, and he shut himself up in his library, desiring to be left alone. A high sense of honour and delicacy forbade his harbouring jealousy. Still he thought there could be no harm in his forbearing to witness Baptiste's progressive happiness.

A marked alteration had taken place between Lorevaine and Ellen, as if they had reciprocally agreed to shun each other. The music was no more selected. and placed on the stand; the bouquet no longer graced her China

plate; — he breakfasted alone, and passed her when dinner was announced, giving his arm to Mrs. Montague.

Baptiste brought Ellen in; he paid her that sort of homage which inspired esteem. He conversed with her on the most pleasing circumstances: he did not aspire to Ellen as a lover; but implored her tacitly, by every trait of friendship, to let him share her confidence. They were much together, and spoke on subjects highly interesting to them both,—particularly of Lorevaine. They mutually grieved to perceive that a shade of melancholy had regained possession of so strong a mind.

"Is Lady Villetta decidedly engaged to Lord Darmaya?-Why does she marry him?" Ellen inquired. But Montague was as uninformed on the liaison as herself. He thought there appeared a sympathy between Lorevaine and Lady Villetta, and was as much amazed and puzzled as Ellen, to account for the conduct of either of them.

Ellen sate alone as the happy and the gay fleeted by the deep recess where she endeavoured to seclude herself. Lady Villetta was

an accomplished musician, her voice was fine, and Ellen was pleased to listen to her finished style. The acclamation of praise followed every stanza. Lorevaine took his position by the instrument, and even when the performance terminated in a waltz or quadrille, Ellen was never requested to relieve Lady Villetta.

It so happened that one evening the harp was placed by the recess where she was unconsciously reclining.

"Will you not give us some little air?" said Miss Agatha, walking up to Ellen and pressing her to come forth.

"I desire you to contribute to the conviviality, Ellen," Lord Darmaya angrily subjoined; "you mope like a night-owl lately, and you can play if you choose."

A spirit of joy not unmingled with sorrow seemed to sweep the chords. The prelude finished, Ellen's voice gradually predominated, then melted into the softest harmony. A pause ensued every eye was fixed on Ellen-a burning hectic glow had suffused her cheek-and she just glanced to where Lorevaine had shaded himself in wrapt attention: he was most anxi

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