continued she; "they have made their bows

and parted."

And as soon as Sir Thomas entered, he was assailed with innumerable interrogations, as to the birth, parentage, and education of the elegant unknown.

"What is his name?" said Ellinor; " and how did you get acquainted with him ?" "I am sure he is not Scotch," said Mrs Lennox. "Sir Thomas, is not he an Englishman ?"

"One question at a time," said the Baronet, with a good-humoured smile.

"Well, but, papa, what is his name? and who is he?"

"He is Sir Pelham Talmash, and an Englishman-now, will that satisfy you?" "Sir Pelham Talmash!" exclaimed Ellinor; "what a beautiful name!"

"I was sure, from his elegance, he was not a Scotsman," said Mrs Lennox.

"But you have not told us," added Ellinor, "how you knew him, and what has brought him here?"

"I don't think I have had much time for that," said Sir Thomas, laughing; “but if you can be silent so long, I shall tell you all about him."

"We won't speak one word," said Ellinor. "Well then," continued Sir Thomas, “I find that this Sir Pelham Talmash is the nephew of my old friend Lord Granton-" "Oh then," interrupted Mrs Lennox, "of course you will ask him here ?"

What has brought him to Scotland ?" asked Ellinor.

"Something very extraordinary, I dare say?" rejoined Mrs Lennox.

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If you will only have a little patience," said the Baronet, "you shall hear. Lord Granton writes me, that his young friend was very much attached to an English lady———————”

"He showed his good sense there,” again interrupted Mrs Lennox.

"And that when everything was prepared for their marriage, the lady was seized with a fever, and died, which had such an

effect on the health and spirits of Sir Pelham, that, on his throwing up his commission in the - regiment of Dragoons, his friends, seriously alarmed, persuaded him to try what change of scene would do. This is the cause of his being here ;-and as to your other inquiry, of how we became ac quainted: In pulling out my handkerchief, a letter came along with it, and dropped on the ground; and as Sir Pelham very politely stooped to pick it up, he saw the address, and immediately introduced himself, adding, that he had a letter for me from his uncle Lord Granton; but that, not knowing I was in Portobello, (which, I must say, is a little extraordinary,) he of course had not delivered it. He is to call here to-morrow."

"Indeed!" said Ellinor, as she retreated to her apartment; "then I must see Campbell immediately.” And a loud peal brought up the obsequious waiting-maid, who received strict orders to have a favourite French pelisse ready by an early hour on the following morning. "And, Campbell, you may

put pale blue ribbons on the collar and sleeves.-Yes," she muttered to herself, "blue is certainly my becoming colour."

Had Sir Pelham Talmash but known the mighty preparations which his intended visit occasioned, his vanity, if he had any, would have sustained a considerable increase. Mrs Lennox and Ellinor scarcely allowed themselves time to swallow their breakfasts next morning, such was their haste to return to their mirrors; and, adorned for conquest, the latter soon descended to the drawing-room. Having lowered the blinds and uncovered the harp, and, as it had been decided that Sir Pelham was a sentimentalist, placed Moore upon the music-stand, she had just finished these operations when Mrs Lennox and Sir Thomas entered.

"What," exclaimed the Baronet, "is the meaning of all this darkness ?" approaching the window to pull up the blind; "the room is like a dungeon."

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O, papa,” said Ellinor, "don't pull up the blinds; I have this moment put them down; I wonder how you are so partial to a blaze of light; besides, 'tis very unfashionable, as well as disagreeable."

"And it is so trying," said Mrs Lennox ; "no skin can stand such an odious glare."

"Skin!" exclaimed Sir Thomas, in great surprise" but as I prefer letting my skin take its chance, to breaking my neck over those footstools and ottomans, I shall take the liberty of throwing a little light upon the subject." So saying, much to the discomfort of both ladies, up the blind went, which, the moment he quitted the room, Ellinor took the liberty of pulling down again. As the hour approached that Sir Pelham was expected to appear, the two ladies paid another visit to their mirrors, to see if they were “in face” that day; and they had just returned from this visit, which was certainly anything but a flying one, when Charles entered.

Upon my honour, ladies,” he exclaimed,