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much good sense that Willoughby began to doubt the correctness of the opinion he had formed of her, and several times asked himself, if one who talked so well, and appeared to have such correct sentiments, would really be a heartless coquette; but unfortunately for Ellinor, a circumstance occurred at that moment which instantly effaced the more favourable impressions which her studied discourse had made on him. They were still engaged in this têteà-tête, (for so it might be called, as Catherine took no part in the conversation, but appeared to be engrossed by her netting,) when Sir Thomas walked into the drawing-room. Ellinor, highly provoked at this interruption, did not address one word to him; but Catherine, instantly throwing off her taciturnity, entered into conversation with Sir Thomas, and exerted herself so much, that Willoughby thought he had never before seen her so animated and engaging.

Sir Thomas, who had been walking a long

time on the sands, and who was rather fatigued with the exercise, asked Ellinor, and that too at the very moment when Willoughby had requested to hear his favourite song, to take a game at chess with him. Ellinor, who thought this a most unreasonable request, replied, disobligingly, “Oh, I can't play just now, I am going to sing to Major Willoughby; besides, I hate chess at this early hour; it is surely more an evening amusement." On hearing this, Willoughby instantly begged that Miss Lennox would indulge Sir Thomas, saying he would have the pleasure of hearing her another time; but Catherine cut short the debate, by insisting that Sir Thomas should accept of her as Ellinor's substitute; and throwing her work aside, she rose and placing the chess-table before her uncle, seated herself, and began to arrange the pieces.

Delighted once more to have the Major all to herself, Ellinor opened the instrument, and never doubting that he was listening with breathless attention to her li

quid notes, she gave her favourite song with great effect. But Willoughby, so far from being enraptured, as in duty bound, scarcely heard her. He was busily engaged contrasting the conduct of the cousins. Miss Lennox, thought he, speaks well of duties; but she appears to be incapable of making the most trifling sacrifice to the wishes of another. Miss Dundas never harangues on such topics, but her sentiments are sufficiently manifested by her readiness to oblige-her efforts to smooth down the asperities of conversation; and yet, with, all this, there is a dignity of manner, a selfpossession which entirely precludes the least suspicion that the gentleness of her disposition would lead her into any improper compliances. By the time Willoughby arrived at this conclusion, Ellinor having finished her song, turned to him with a bewitching air, to receive his homage; but she was nearly petrified with amazement on seeing him regarding Catherine with looks of warm admiration; and to add to the

provocation, seemingly quite unconscious that her strain had ceased. Recalled by the dashing down of Ellinor's music-book, to a sense of what was expected of him, Willoughby said a few pretty things with an abstracted air, and soon after sauntered to the chess-table, under pretence of overlooking the game. Ellinor, piqued beyond her powers of concealment, swept across the room, and on leaving it, shut the door with a force, which electrified Catherine; and even Willoughby, though by no means nervous, was startled by the report.

I believe none of my readers will be disposed to deny, that doors have a language of their own; and certainly, on this occasion, the one above mentioned gave audible warning to Catherine of an approaching storm, and for a moment confused her, and caused her to make a false move.

"Heavens, Catherine!" said Sir Thomas, "what can you be thinking of? That move will ruin you.-Major Willoughby, if she

does not play better, I shall turn her over to you to receive a few lessons."

Willoughby bowed, smiled, and said he would be but too happy to have such a pupil.

"No, no," said Catherine, hastily; "but when this game is finished, I shall relinquish my seat to Major Willoughby. I shall learn much better by looking on."

The game proceeded, concluded, and Catherine was the loser.

Sir Thomas now insisted that Major Willoughby should take his place; but Catherine, who did not wish to play with Willoughby, endeavoured to persuade Sir Thomas to give her her revenge; but his favourite newspaper coming in at that moment, he resisted all her entreaties, and began without ceremony to read the debates, leaving Catherine and Willoughby in undisputed possession of the chess-board.

Ellinor was no sooner in her own apartment, than she repented of having left the drawing-room; so, after taking a few turns

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