Spencer was a good deal startled by finding, in his friend Sir Pelham Talmash, the handsome stranger who had excited the curiosity and admiration of Ellinor; but his jealous fears were quickly dispelled, on observing that Catherine was the magnet of attraction. As, however, he suspected that Ellinor wished to engross the attentions of Sir Pelham, he determined strictly to watch the conduct of his volatile idol.

Nothing particular occurred during dinner, and most part of the company being engaged in scanning the thoughts and feelings of their neighbours, the conversation was disjointed and tame.

So soon as the ladies reached the drawing-room, Mrs Sefton turned to Catherine, and said, "Really, Catherine, I like your Baronet very much. You have not exaggerated his perfections. But, for all that, I maintain Willoughby is superior to him both in manners and appearance.-Don't you agree with me, Miss Lennox ?"

"Indeed,” replied Ellinor, piqued at hear ing Sir Pelham called Catherine's Baronet, "I can't say I admire either of them much; but they appear to be on very pleasant terms with themselves, which, I suppose, they owe to the flattery of some of our sex." Here she glanced at Catherine.

Ellinor's tone and manner were not lost on Mrs Sefton, who now began to suspect that all was not right between the cousins. When the gentlemen came up stairs, Sir Pelham quickly made his way up the room, and deliberately lifting the astonished Clara, he very composedly placed himself between Mrs Sefton and Catherine, who blushed deeply, and tried to hide her confusion by talking to Clara.

Ellinor, in extreme indignation at the desertion of all her admirers, attempted to conceal her chagrin by flirting violently with Ashley, and affected the most extravagant spirits, while Spencer, wounded by her evident admiration of Sir Pelham, stood silent and aloof. Matters were in this state,

when Sir Thomas begged Catherine to give them some music, and particularly requested to have a new duet of Rossini.

"Oh, certainly,” replied Catherine, happy to get away from Sir Pelham, whose open admiration distressed her. "Ellinor, Sir Thomas wishes us to play the new duet of Rossini; will you take the piano-forte or harp part?"

"Get the books," said Ellinor; "and when all is ready, I shall then tell you what part I mean to play."

Catherine, without appearing to notice her impertinence, placed the music-books on the stands, and seating herself at the piano-forte, began playing a waltz.

66

Why, won't you play my favourite air?" echoed Sir Thomas.

"I wait for Ellinor."

"Come away," cried Sir Thomas to Ellinor, who then approaching Catherine, said rudely, "Rise; I shall take the piano-forte," when Catherine, without deigning a reply, seated herself at the harp.

"How beautiful Miss Dundas appears at the harp," said Sir Pelham. "It shows to so much advantage her charming figure and exquisitely turned hand and arm.”

She is certainly very handsome," replied Mrs Sefton; " but I understand Miss Lennox is more generally admired."

"Miss Lennox's features may perhaps be more perfect, but they want that play of expression, that soul, which, to me at least, is woman's greatest charm, and which Miss Dundas possesses in such an eminent degree."

"Indeed," said Mrs Sefton, " I scarcely expected to find so much beauty in Scotland. Pray, how do you like our northern neighbours ?"

"Very much, indeed."

"Do you make a long stay here ?"

"I believe I shall. It was my intention to join my sister at Cheltenham ; but I find Scotland so delightful, I mean to try and persuade her to come down here; and as she has the weakness of being very partial

to me, I dare say

she will be happy where

ever she sees me so."

"She must have a very accommodating temper," said Mrs Sefton, by no means pleased at this intelligence.

"She is indeed very amiable; and as she has no one but my poor self on whom to bestow her regard, of course I am a personage of the first importance."

66

This may not always be the case with either of you,” replied Mrs Sefton, archly. Perhaps not," he answered; "but will you allow me to bespeak your friendship for my sister? She is very young and timid, and I think will derive great advantage from mixing with my accomplished friends here."

Mrs Sefton found herself obliged to say how happy she would be to have the pleasure of Miss Talmash's acquaintance. But here the conversation was broken off by Charles's approach, who, addressing Mrs Sefton, said, "We have been arranging a boating-party for to-morrow; may I hope,