I suppose that was the reason you scampered off with Mr Ashley in such an improper manner. It is fortunate Sir Thomas did not see you."

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" I assure you,” said Ellinor, very coolly, papa approves highly of all kinds of exercise,—and how do you know but that it was by his desire I did run? You know it circulates the blood, and is besides a famous cosmetic; and I declare, to judge from the brilliancy of your complexion, one would imagine you had run round the grounds already. You look quite rosy, and remind one of the Irish song, which goes so, you know:" Here she hummed, "Her cheeks were like strawberries smothered in cream."

"Miss Lennox," replied the indignant lady, "I won't stand here to be made a fool of."

"Who bids you stand?" retorted Ellinor. "We had better," said Ashley," join the party,—they will wonder what has become of us. Mrs Lennox," he continued, "will you take my arm ?" and he offered

the other to Ellinor; who, angry with him for his politeness to Mrs Lennox, declined his assistance, and sauntered behind them till they came up with the others.

"Where the mischief have you been?" exclaimed Charles. "We have all been wondering what had become of you."

"Miss Lennox and Mr Ashley," replied his lady, "have been running a race, and your sister says it was by the desire of Sir Thomas."

"I desire my daughter to run a race!" exclaimed the astonished Sir Thomas. “I beg, Mrs Lennox, that in future no such liberties may be taken with my name. Ellinor never could make such an improper assertion.-Ellinor," continued he, turning to his daughter, "I beg you will explain this very extraordinary affair."

"A race certainly was run,” replied Ellinor, with great coolness; " but I leave you to judge, sir, if it is likely that your daughter would do such a thing!"

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Upon my honour, Mrs Lennox," said

Sir Thomas, "I don't at all approve of these jests; they may, to be sure, be very fashionable; but, let me tell you, I think them highly reprehensible."

"If there is any person to be reprehended," replied Mrs Lennox, in a rage,

your own daughter."

"it is

"Have done with all this nonsense," exclaimed Charles, "and let us go to the gardens."

The gardens having been visited and admired, the party proceeded to the bowlinggreen, where Mrs Lennox made another attempt to attract the attention of Willough by, who, however, still retained his place beside Catherine. While they were all engaged in expressing their admiration of the beautiful scenery-Ellinor, who was never happy but when about some mischief, entered the summer-house, and taking up one of the bowls, stepped into the middle of the green, and took her aim so well as to graze the foot of Mrs Lennox, and disperse in an instant to right and left the assembled

party, who little expected such an interruption.

"Good heavens, my foot!" exclaimed Mrs Lennox, "I believe my ancle bone is broken."

"Where the mischief," exclaimed Sir Thomas, "did that bowl come from? I swear it has taken the skin off my heel." Oh, my foot!" once more ejaculated Mrs Lennox; "I don't know how I am to walk to the carriage."

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"Permit me to assist you," said Willoughby, who understood the hint, and offered her his arm.

"I declare,” said Ellinor, laughing heartily, on observing that her aim had taken effect," these bowls should be discarded; they certainly have a most improper bias ; but I hope," continued she, addressing Mrs Lennox," that it did not hit you?".

"You hope, indeed! I dare say you aimed it purposely at me."

"Ellinor," said Sir Thomas, "I am surprised that you could act with such impro

priety; not that I can for a moment suppose you intended to hit Mrs Lennox, but that you should ever have thought of playing on other people's bowling-green. It was very wrong; I wonder how you could do such a thing."

"I suppose," said Ellinor, "we must ascribe it to my having, like the said bowls, a wrong bias."

After having admired the bridge and the view from it, Sir Thomas, looking at his watch, announced that it was time to be off, and Mrs Lennox, leaning on the Major, and limping more than the occasion warranted, led the way.

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"I wish, Catherine," said Charles, as the ladies were getting into the carriage, you would come up beside me on the dicky; it is very tiresome sitting alone without a soul to speak to."

As this was a seat to which she was not particularly partial, Catherine hesitated; but she was induced to agree to this proposal, by hearing Mrs Lennox say, "Do,