to judge favourably. But she asked no questions, feeling sure that her brother had good reasons for what he did.

It is scarcely possible to imagine a greater contrast than the two belles of the ball-room. Of Edith we have already given a sufficient description. Her dress was like herself, simple and elegant, being rich soft white silk, relieved only by the brilliant scarlet camellias, the gift of her brother, who knew so well what suited her. Georgina, though all thought her very pretty, was seldom considered beautiful, as there was a want of that feeling and intelligence without which the most perfectly formed face will appear expressionless. Her hair hung below her waist in bright golden waves; it was drawn back from her forehead, and kept in place by a circlet of small pearls. Her features were small and regular, and her blue eyes sparkled with vivacity. Her dress was

studied and in the extreme of the fashion.

In consequence of the distance they had to drive, Mr. Percival had arranged to leave early. As they drove home, Herbert chiefly sustained the conversation, being desirous of effacing any unpleasant impression which his behaviour that evening might have left on Edith's mind; but though she did not appear to observe it, his sister could perceive that his gaiety was assumed and his mind preoccupied. Their father, never a very close observer, was tired and did not take part in the

conversation.

CHAPTER III.

A YEAR AGO.

"I do not know the man I should avoid so soon as that spare Cassius."-Julius Cæsar.

"CONFOUND it!" said Herbert, vigorously poking the fire when he had retired to his room that night; "that that conceited ass should have the insolence to get himself introduced to my sister almost before I was aware of it, and to lead her off for the first dance, which I heard remarked on all sides! What the deuce brings the fellow down here!" continued he, throwing himself into an easy-chair; "the last place in the world where I should have thought of meeting him." He paused for a moment, and then resumed in the same tone, "And what impudence the puppy has to address me as he did after the marked coolness I showed him when we last met in London! I suppose,' he said fiercely, "that he imagines he can trifle with my sister as he has done with others; but he shall soon be undeceived. Thank heaven, there is little chance of his meeting with Agnes! By jingo, if I thought there was the slightest fear of it, I would blow his conceited brains out to-morrow, if I were to be hanged for it!" he exclaimed,

starting up with so much energy that he upset the lamp, and the business of relighting it gave his anger time to cool. The name of Agnes had awakened a new train of thought, and he fell into a silent and apparently painful reverie.

Herbert had for some time cherished a secret affection for Agnes, but had not till lately been aware of its strength. His brother Wilfred's penetration had also made the discovery, and by his love of quizzing kept Herbert constantly on thorns lest he should say something in his father's presence which would lead the latter to suspect the state of his feelings. He did not venture to speak to his brother about it, as it was a subject too near his heart to be rudely dealt with. Poor Herbert felt sure that this attachment would never meet with his father's approbation, as, being the eldest son, he would be expected to form an alliance with some family of rank and wealth.

It was the calmness and happy repose of Agnes's disposition, so different from his own fiery nature, that attracted him most strongly. Sometimes he had thought of opening his mind to his mother; in her he was sure of finding a kind and sympathising friend. He knew that she fully appreciated the strength and rectitude of Agnes's character, and that she would exert her influence with Mr. Percival in favour of his choice. But he had never done so, fearful that, in her delicate state of health, the anxiety attendant upon the exertion which she must necessarily make would be too much for her.

But another cause of vexation had now arisen, which had occasioned Herbert's burst of indignation described in the beginning of this chapter.

For

Twelve months previously he had become acquainted with Lieutenant Forster, when they were both visiting at a friend's house in London. At first sight Herbert had taken a singular fancy to the Lieutenant, who was some five or six years older than himself. He was a man of remarkably pleasing appearance and address, had travelled much, and was excellent company. Herbert was young and inexperienced, and had yet to learn that "all is not gold that glitters." This man of the world saw at once through the unsuspecting nature of the open-hearted youth, and having first established himself in Herbert's good opinion, he resolved to show him a little of London life. ster was in the habit of frequenting some billiardrooms in the neighbourhood, where he and his brother officers played high; but he was an old and skilful gambler, and never left the club much the poorer for his visit. He one day informed his comrades that on the following evening he would introduce to them "a greenhorn with his pockets well lined," but warned them that they must go cautiously to work if they wished to make anything out of him; for though unacquainted with the world, he was by no means deficient in tration. Accordingly, the next day he induced Herbert to accompany him to the club. Though at first rather entertained by the gaiety of his companions, the "greenhorn" soon discovered the

pene

sort of company into which he had been unwittingly drawn, and determined to refuse any further invitations to join them. Forster, a day or two after, again visited the gambling-house. His companions tauntingly asked him why Captain Percival did not accompany him; and upon his replying that he did not wish to give him too strong a dose at first, one of them sarcastically remarked that his pupil was a little beyond his hand he hoped by so saying to excite Forster to exert all his power in obtaining Herbert for their victim. Piqued at this, the Lieutenant vehemently declared that he could, twist Percival round his little finger; whereupon the artful schemer offered to lay any wager that he would find it impossible to draw him much further. Forster, in the excitement of the moment, made a heavy bet on the issue, and shortly after left the club.

It is needless to describe the various means he took to accomplish his design. His efforts proved quite unsuccessful, and he entirely lost the little influence he had gained over Herbert, who, now suspecting his real character, treated him with great coolness, and avoided his society as much as possible. This conduct incensed Forster, more particularly as he had thereby lost a large sum of money, and being deeply in debt, this was a serious matter to him. Notwithstanding Herbert's evidently increasing dislike, Forster kept up a show of friendly feeling towards him, in the hope that he might be able to lead him into trouble of one