THE

BELLE OF THE FAMILY:

OR,

THE JOINTURE.

A N O V E L.

V

BY TEE AUTHOR OF

* THE YOUNG PRIMA DONNA,”

WIFE,” &c. &c.

“ Yet for each ravaged charm of earth
Some pitying power had given
BEAUTY

LONDON:
T.C. NEWBY, 65, MOBTIMER ST., CAVENDISH S.

1843.

THE

JOINTURE.

CHAPTER I.

“ A youth rode forth from his childhood's home,
Through the crowded paths of the world to roam,
And the green leaves whispered as he passed,
Wherefore thou dreamer, away so fast ?
Knowest thou with what thou art parting here,
Long wouldst thou linger in doubt and fear."

“ WELL done !” said the world, throwing down the Morning Post, we go on fast l-another fairest débutante of the season about to dazzle our eyes-another Vassall about to be presented!

“ Yes,” exclaimed a chaperone with an air of