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"So it appears," replied she, coldly, at the same time seating herself at a distance from the trio, and taking up her work.

Willoughby, who was a great observer of tones, saw that there was something wrong, and his curiosity was excited; but, as Catherine continued silent, he again addressed himself to Ellinor. 66 Well, Miss Lennox," said he, " have you prepared your charges against the offender?"

"Not I," replied Ellinor, in some confusion, and trying to hide the embarrassment occasioned by Spencer's reproachful gaze; "I have no charge to make against Captain Spencer."

"Whatever he may have to make against you,” replied he pointedly.

“O,” said Ellinor, trying to laugh, “I dare say your catalogue of offences is long enough; but we are all getting mighty humdrum, and I hate stupid people, so I shall go and rattle over a new waltz I got the other day. Come, and tell me how you like

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it," continued she, addressing Willoughby. He followed her to the instrument.

"I wish," he whispered, as her taper fingers were flying over the keys-"I wish you would impart a portion of your liveliness to your cousin ; she wants only a little animation to be quite captivating."

"You must think," replied Ellinor, "that I have too much spirit, since you wish me to part with some of it."

"By no means," said Willoughby; "I should not wish you to lose any of that vivacity, which I think so-so

"So annoying," replied Ellinor, with recovered good-humour.

Charming, I would have said," answered Willoughby. "But pray, if it is a fair question, have Miss Dundas and Spencer quarrelled?-Spencer is an excellent fellow," continued he, in a graver tone, “and nothing would grieve me more than his suffering a disappointment of this nature. But whatever may be the determination of Miss Dundas, I feel certain that he will be treat

ed with openness and candour, for your cousin possesses a sincerity of manner, which I have always admired; and, in spite of the coldness of her deportment, I can discern that she has too much feeling and principle to trifle with the best affections of an honourable man. But he has now seated himself beside her-play a little louder, and perhaps, under cover of your battery, they may make up this lover's quarrel."

The sensations with which Ellinor listened to this speech, may be more easily conceived than described; but, unable to reply to him, she gladly complied with his request, and continued to rattle on till she was interrupted by the entrance of visitors, soon after which Spencer departed, and Willoughby quickly followed him.

"That was a very handsome man who was sitting by you," said Miss Bruce to Ellinor; "pray, who is he?"

"Major Willoughby," replied Ellinor, carelessly.

"Is he in the regiment now here ?" rejoined the lady.

"He is," replied Ellinor.

"I should like to know him," said Miss Bruce; "he appears to be very agreeable. I have not seen a countenance that pleased me so much for a long time.-Harriet,” continued she, addressing her sister, “don't you agree with me in thinking Major Willoughby a very handsome man ?"

"I rather think," replied she, "that I admire his companion more. He is perhaps not quite so superb as the other Don, but he is more to my taste-But," continued she, addressing Catherine," don't look so frightened; I have no intention of becoming your rival; I suspect we broke up a very tender tête-à-tête, for you both looked very much annoyed when we entered."

"You never were more mistaken," said Catherine coldly; "Captain Spencer was saying nothing to me that you and the whole world might not have heard."

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Spencer," exclaimed Miss Bruce, "what a pretty name!"

"Of course," said Harriet, laughing, "I did not expect that you would acknowledge your penchant; but for all that, it was very evident."

"I can't acknowledge," replied Catherine, "what is not the case."

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And is this Major what d'ye call him your admirer ?" said Miss Harriet, addressing Ellinor.

"Can you doubt it?" replied Ellinor, with fashionable ease.

"Can't say," replied she, with the amiable motive of mortifying Ellinor-" I don't think he has the least the look of a man in love-How different his careless disengaged air from that of the tender Spencer."

"Is that your opinion?" replied Ellinor, piqued at this surmise; " then of course it must be the case. A lady of your penetration cannot possibly be mistaken."

"I dare say," said Miss Bruce," that Harriet, with all her airs of admiring Spen

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