agonies of hunting for an idea which resolutely refused to come at his command. In his agitation he took off his gloves, displaying a pair of hands which one scarcely knew whether to admire most for their brilliancy of colouring or hugeness of proportions; he then attempted to draw them on again, and in the effort to ensconce the gigantic members into ordinarysized gloves, he tore the thumb completely out of one.

"At this catastrophe, my heart melted within me, and I resolved to relieve the poor youth by saying something to him; but it appears, that the shock had supplied the long-wished-for idea. It was the height of summer, and the windows were all open,—well, he pointed towards the river in the grounds, and with a brogue which no human efforts could ever abolish, he said,— 'Pray Ma'am is that the say I see?'

My next partner was gifted with a surprising head of hair, which was well oiled and curled, he had large, bold eyes, and a row of white teeth, which were conspicuously evident.

"He began a conversation immediately on his introduction, in a very determined sort of a manner, as much as to say I am no fool!' He had just returned into the neighbourhood, after a long absence, and had heard that we had all been suffering from an epidemic which had raged in the country. He therefore com

menced

"I presume that the debility resulting from the protracted effects of the late distressing epidemic, has proved highly detrimental to the agreeable gaieties which usually take place at this season of the year.'

"I answered him in his own style, yet with a sort of mock deference, as he considered himself decidedly a very nice young man.' I had many other partners almost equally ridiculous, and yet I enjoyed myself much, for my spirits were then fresh and buoyant."

Catherine was here interrupted by the entrance of a person into the box, and Teresa again turned

her

eyes on the opposite party.

Sedley had dined with the lady in whose box

he was, and had accompanied her to the Opera. This lady's daughter was an agreeable amusing girl, who talked almost unceasingly, and as Sedley was the best listener in the world, he never allowed his eyes to roam in all directions, when a lady was speaking to him, but, on the contrary, flattered her by an appearance of interest. Owing to his attention being thus absorbed, he did not see

Catherine Brand and

At length he caught

her sister for a long time. a view of Catherine's face, and glancing at the other lady, to ascertain if it should be Mrs. Derby, he recognized Mrs. Bolton; he had known Mrs. Bolton before her marriage, and he immediately resolved to go round and visit her.

Teresa saw him wish the ladies "good-night,'" and leave the box. A few moments afterwards a gentle tap was heard at the door, which made her heart beat rapidly. The door was opened, and Sedley made his appearance. Teresa slipt unobserved into a front seat, and looked steadfastly towards the stage.

Sedley, who had not noticed her, shook hands with Catherine Brand and her sister, and made many enquiries respecting Mrs. Bolton's con

cerns.

In the meantime, Teresa felt most distressingly situated; she was aware that concealment was out of the question; in a few moments he would recognize her, and, therefore, she resolved to make a desperate stroke and affect not to know him. She turned round in her chair, and raising her eyes, met those of Sedley, without betraying the slightest consciousness. She then began an animated conversation with Catherine, and exerted herself in an extraordinary manner, so that it might not flag, for she dreaded that Sedley would take advantage of the first pause to address her. She was supported through this trial by the conviction, that nothing but extreme firmness and consistency on her part could destroy all hope in his breast, and for the sake of his peace of mind, she would even bear the imputation of heartlessness. But she needed

not to have feared that Sedley would address her. So completely had he been taken by surprise when he encountered her beautiful eyes, so overwhelmed was he with astonishment at the coolness of her conduct, and still more at the animation of her manner with Catherine, when she well knew what must be the anguish she was inflicting-that he had abruptly left off in the middle of an observation he was making to Mrs. Bolton, and had remained speechless, gazing on Teresa. Mrs. Bolton was highly amused at what she considered her young friend's sudden conquest, for she attributed his strange manner entirely to extreme admiration-and therefore she said,

"Miss Cellini, allow me to particular friend Sir Herbert Herbert, Miss Cellini."

introduce my

Sedley Sir

Both Teresa and Sedley were overwhelmed with embarrassment. But at length the latter, half indignant at Teresa's strange and unaccountable conduct, took up his hat, and told