eyes, that she is a beauty. Lady Lennox is a dawdle whom nobody minds. Sir Thomas is as proud as Lucifer; and the son is a mere puppy, and always at the heels of Miss Dundas, who is the only endurable member of the family. They say the young man is, or fancies himself, in love with her, but that Sir Thomas will not hear of the match; indeed, I understand from very good authority, that Miss Dundas is quite indifferent to her cousin, and that both girls are fighting for Captain Spencer, who almost lives there; while other people say that she is desperately in love with another of these impudent dragoons, Collingby, or Willingby, or some such name. In short, they are all at daggers-drawing. Sir Thomas insists on Miss Dundas quitting the house, that she may be out of the way of the son, who declares, that if she goes he will follow her. Lady Lennox is unwilling to part with such a useful assistant in household matters; while Miss Lennox is eager to get quit of her, that she may have Spencer's atten

tions all to herself. Others, again, say that Miss Dundas told Sir Thomas she did not care a farthing for his son, nor would she marry him though they were both to go down on their knees to her; but that she added, if Sir Thomas forced her to leave his house, she would marry Charles in spite of his teeth."

"Dear me!" exclaimed the amazed Miss Stevens, "did she speak so to Sir Thomas?"

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Yes," rejoined Miss Kennedy; “ and Campbell, Lady Lennox's maid, told my cook's third cousin, that she never in her life heard such an uproar; and that Mr Lennox was so angry with Sir Thomas, that he went directly to Miss Dundas to get her to run off with him, and, after much persuasion, she consented; and Mr Lennox was just going to order a carriage, when Sir Thomas, having come a little to his senses, entered the room, and told Miss Dundas that she might remain if she would give her solemn promise not to marry his son; and that she agreed to this proposal, which drove

Mr Lennox almost frantic. And then there was that stage-coach story that I was telling you as we came along. I am determined to be at the bottom of it to-night. But, Mary, sit down directly I hear her ladyship coming-I think it is time."

"My dear Lady Lennox, how do you do?" said Miss Kennedy, running up to shake hands with the dawdle; "but I need not ask that question, when you look so charmingly.-Permit me to introduce to you my niece, Miss Stevens, who, with her brother, have come to pay me a visit; and I have called to ask permission to bring them with me to tea this evening."

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"I shall be extremely happy to see any friend of yours, Miss Kennedy," replied Lady Lennox, with great politeness; " you ought to have been assured of that, and not have taken the trouble to make the request in person."

"You are always so kind, my dear Lady Lennox; but I hope you will excuse this second call. I was just saying to my

niece, in a family so well regulated as yours, visitors may go in at any time without occasioning inconvenience. There are some friends of mine who never admit visitors before two o'clock, on the plea of its cutting up their time, pretending that they study in the morning; but, for my part, I never gave much credit to that excuse. Indeed, I think a friend dropping in now and then to give one the news of the day, is a very pleasant thing. You, Lady Lennox, are, however, one of the happy few who can admit strangers at all times, because, though engaged yourself, you have young people to receive your friends. I hope Miss Lennox and Miss Dundas are both well?"

"Perfectly well, I thank you,” replied her ladyship,-" I have not seen them for an hour or two, but I shall inquire if they are at home."-The bell was pulled, and William attended the summons.—“ In. quire," said her ladyship, "whether Miss Dundas and Miss Lennox be at home; and inform them that Miss Kennedy and Miss

Stevens are here."William bowed, and retired; but soon returned with the information that both ladies had gone out.

"Out!" repeated her ladyship, seemingly quite forgetful of the presence of her visitors, "Where can they have gone to? Catherine promised to begin the fringe for the green drapery to-day-I wonder what can have taken the girls out at this hour-I dare say it is some whim of Ellinor's."

"This is a charming day for a walk," said Miss Kennedy, with the view of reminding her ladyship that she was not alone, " and I suppose the ladies have taken advantage of it-I believe Miss Lennox is very fond of walking-I see her frequently on the sands."

"Oh, yes," rejoined her ladyship, "they walk an hour or two every day; but they don't, in general, go out so early as this; indeed, I cannot imagine what could induce Catherine to go without even beginning the fringe."

Seeing that her ladyship's brain contain