not have been his fault, and she, with that sad, spiritual face, could never have acted capriciously or dishonourably, I'm convinced; it must have been through the intermeddling of some kind, interested friends." And Lady Ida gave a glance of suspicion at Miss Loder.

"Nonsense, Lady Ida! it was all her own choice her own act," replied Miss Loder, colouring a little at the unspoken imputation. "Had I known her at the time," she continued, "I should certainly have advised her to take the course she did, notwithstanding."

"Then you would have given very wicked advice, in my opinion. You don't know Assulton as I do; a more generous, goodhearted creature does not exist."

"And yet," returned Miss Loder, with

a malicious smile, "strange rumours were afloat when the engagement was cancelled, especially respecting Beatrice Montalto."

"Will that story never be forgotten, and buried deep enough? Why it has been raised from its grave already more times than I can remember, and I only hope, Georgiana, you were not the last resurrectionist."

"I! oh no! I never even mentioned again what I heard."

Lady Ida looked rather incredulous.

Whoever did it, it's really infamous to revive such things. Poor Assulton ! he has paid a fearful penalty for his rash trustfulness."

Miss Loder smiled; but her smile could not quite conceal an expression of pain that crept over her features.

"There was reason for the revival in this instance; in fact, it was unavoidable;" and with these words uttered in almost a whisper, she moved away with her gliding step and quietly graceful deportment.

The next evening there was a ball at Loder House and a sofa was placed in a pleasant recess, which was decorated with some rare and splendid exotics for Geraldine, that she might view the animated and brilliant scene without encountering fatigue. And, so frequently, the most sought-after cavaliers, the most wealthy civilians, stationed themselves in the vicinity of the couch of the fair young invalid, whose dark, mourning robe formed such a singular contrast to the gorgeous attire and glittering jewellery of the other ladies, and who had never appeared so beautiful before as then, when

the glow of fever suffused her cheeks brightly, yet delicately, and her eyes beamed with an unearthly lustre, while her golden brown tresses were woven into a rich coronal, that gave a queen-like air to her classically formed head, that envy shaded many a fair brow, and distorted many a polite smile; and even Miss Loder looked rather disquieted, while on Sir Arthur's countenance, discontent, approximating to jealousy, dwelt, as he approached the recess, after having quitted his partner rather abruptly.

Geraldine, wearied with reclining, having risen and seated herself at the end of the couch, where the broad leaves and glorious blooms of a magnificent exotic, placed on a high stand, formed a beautiful canopy for her head, he seated himself beside her,

inquiring in a low, earnest voice respecting her health. Just then, Lady Wardlaw came up, leaning on Sir Frederick Illford's

arm.

"I'm shockingly fatigued that last galop was really too much for me; and I was just going to entreat Miss Dernevor to allow me a corner of her sofa, but I was not aware it was occupied. No, really, I won't disturb you, Sir Arthur."

66

Indeed, Lady Wardlaw, I am most happy to resign my place to you.

I only

regret you have not sooner been accommodated," said Sir Arthur Loder, with a forced smile.

"to

"I'm quite delighted, my dear Miss Dernevor," said her loquacious ladyship, have an opportunity for a few minutes' conversation in this charming recess, so re