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unless, indeed, Mrs Lennox chooses to quit her apartment, which she would soon do were they to call. But I think I see three figures coming down; I am certain the one in the middle is Willoughby-'tis a mercy I waited.”—And she put up her veil.

Ellinor was right; Willoughby, Spencer, and Ashley, soon joined her.

"I hope," said the former, "that Miss Lennox is well?-We called just now to inquire for Mrs Lennox, and are happy to learn that she is convalescent this morning."

Yes," said Ellinor," she is quite well to-day; indeed, I don't think there was much the matter with her all fine ladies, I am told, are subject to vapours; and who so fine as Mrs Lennox ?—but would they not admit you?"

"Oh," said Spencer,

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we left our cards. The servant told us that both the ladies

and gentlemen of the family were out." "But I suspect," added Willoughby,

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laughing, our friend William was not exactly speaking the truth; for I am pretty certain Miss Dundas was at home, though she would not allow us to enter. She was

with Mrs Lennox, I suppose ?" "Indeed she is no such thing; she happens to be at church. I did all in my power to prevent her from going, but go she would go, in spite of me."

"It would be happy for us," said Willoughby, "if we followed her bright example."

Ellinor bit her lip, and to hide her chagrin, turned to Ashley, saying, "What became of you at the Theatre last night? You would have been much pleased had you been there. I never heard Miss Noel in better voice."

Ashley regretted that a very particular engagement detained him at home.

Spencer having determined not to commit himself further with Ellinor, until he closely investigated her character and disposition, now acted rather on the reserve;

but Ashley made ample amends for his taciturnity, by keeping up a running fire of small talk.

"I thought," said Willoughby, "that the service was shorter in the afternoon than in the forenoon; but I fancy I am mistaken -It must be very late. Pray, Ashley, what is your watch? mine is slow-only half-past three."

"Then it is just twenty minutes too fast," replied Ashley, whose hearty laugh threw Willoughby into some confusion.

Just at this moment, Clara, who was walking with her maid upon the sands, came running up to them,

"Where is aunt Catherine ?" she asked.

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I am sure, Clara," said Ellinor, “I have told you a hundred times that Catherine is not your aunt; 'tis strange you will persist in calling her so."

"But I say she is my aunt, and I don't mind you, for mamma says you never tell me what is true. Major Willoughby, is

not aunt Catherine my own aunt Catherine ?"

"What a spoiled brat that is!" said Ellinor, as she passed on with Spencer and Ashley; "what with my sister-in-law and cousin, she stands a great chance of being ruined."

Not so thought Willoughby. He had remarked the evident improvement Clara had made under the tuition of Catherine, and perhaps he did not love the little girl the less for being a favourite with the latter. He called Clara to him; and as he had dropped behind the others, he entered into conversation with her.

"But tell me," said Clara, who was quite proud of being noticed," is not aunt Catherine my own aunt ?"

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No," said the Major," she is not your

aunt."

"Why, then, is aunt Ellinor my aunt? I don't love her half so well as aunt Catherine; she is always teasing me, and is so cross, and never plays with me, and says I

am so troublesome, and is always telling mamma to send me to the nursery. Do you love aunt Ellinor better than aunt Catherine ?"

"I thought I told you," said Willoughby, parrying this home-thrust," that Miss Dundas is not your aunt ?"

"Well, but I will ask aunt Catherine myself; for she never tells me stories like aunt Ellinor; but where is she?" "She has gone to church."

"Will she be long of coming home? I wish she would come home."

"No, I don't think she will be long

now."

"You must go home, Miss Clara," said her maid, approaching. "I must change your frock before dinner; and you know your mamma said you were not to stay long on the sands, as she was afraid of your throat; so come away home, like a good little girl."

But Clara was not to be so coaxed; she grasped Willoughby's hand, at the same

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