half such transport in gaining possession of my poor heart, as was shewn by this happy youth. He said little--but I suppose he felt the more. He rarely took his eyes off Emily; she must have been disconcerted by his earnest gaze it did not however, seem to displease her. But a day earlier, the like would certainly have made her wild with anger.

"When the old knight challenged Wriothesley to take wine, he replied, 'with pleasure Madam; and when he drank to me, it was, 'your health Sir.' Whereat the old knight would burst into some exclamation at the folly and degeneracy of the youths of modern times. As for Emily herself, Wriothesley never asked her to take wine at all; nor did she whisper any comment on the omission; and although so silent at dinner, shouts of boisterous merriment followed in no long time, by roars, laughter, glees, and songs, ensued after our retirement from the dining-room. At length, when summoned to coffee, it was clear that both gentle

men had made very deep inroads into the contents of the cellar. Miss Jones's papa was hickupping a little, and between whiles essaying some hunting ditty, in which the words, 'old Towler,' could be occasionally distinguished. At the same time he clapped Wriothesley on the back, and told him he was the finest young fellow in Cambridgeshire. It was very clear how affairs must end. Ah, Charles three whole days have past, and not one word for your own Julia."

VIII.

"Miss Jones's feelings, sentiments, and ways of thinking, have undergone an entire change. Any contempt which she may have been disposed to evince towards the opposite sex, has wholly subsided. Mr. Wriothesley has become a nice young fellow-a very nice young fellow indeed. Now, Julia don't you think so,' is the appeal made once or oftener during the day. It is but too obvious how the poor

6

girl is circumstanced. As for the young fellow' himself, he has grown saucy upon it. He sees clearly enough-too clearly, indeed, that he is no longer the unimportant personage he once was. It is really amusing to witness how jauntily he carries himself, cocks his hat, or adjusts his sash ere the promenade or ride during which he daily, or almost daily, vouchsafes to accompany us. He is not indeed, domiciliated in the house, but next thing to it. He arrives at an early hour, dines, sups, and returns homeward. If he delay his daily visit, were it but a quarter of an hour, Emily becomes quite uneasy, wonders what can have detained him, and trips twenty times to the window to see if he be a coming. Once he did not come at all, his horse the very same that ran away with Miss Jones, and which he has taken a strange fancy to ridehaving lost a shoe, and obliged him to lead the animal back by hand, so as to render it too

late to set out afresh. On this occasion, you'll scarce believe it, she actually wept, and ate nothing the whole day.

'Really,' I say to her, it is too bad to see a girl who has so long made scorn and mockery of all mankind, become so completely their obedient humble servant, in the person of one Captain Wriothesley.' She retorts by saying that I am too provoking, or by slapping my arm, and thereupon looks into the glass to ascertain the adjustment of a shawl or a scarf which Wriothesley has praised, and which forsooth, she must wear again. Sometimes, a little of her ancient spirit flares up, but it is a flash in the socket; for forthwith Wriothesley, her Wriothesley, as she affects to call him, immediately takes umbrage, whereupon she takes alarm, and then, there are such entreaties, supplications, and deprecatory remarks, till, at length, my gentleman deigns to become appeased, whereupon, there are makings-up and reconciliations, all about nothing, and without

the least regard for my presence, so that I am scandalized, and often have to leave the apart

ment.

"One day lately, she came into my room,whither I had retired to read over, I suppose for the hundredth time, some dear letters which I get from somebody, all in a flutter and quite agitated, and without word or preface threw her arms round my neck, and began to weep and sob as if her dear little heart would break. I thought something dreadful must have happened, and tried to brace myself up accordingly; but on looking at her, I saw that her hair and bosom were arranged with singular care, and for all her tears, that she did not seem a bit sorry.

6

'Dearest Emily' I said, 'what is the matter with you; has papa been doing anything; has Wriothesley been cross?' Ah, no, my darling Julia, but that wicked fellow has actually been proposing for me; and papa swears I shall marry him and soon too; very good for me;