Adeliza, and affectionately kissed Lady Catherine; then introduced them to Sir Armine Temple, who was the proud and inseparable companion of Lord Richmond. Sir Armine appeared struck with the uncommon beauty of Adeliza, and immediately left the sofa, to place himself on a seat next the one she occupied. The compliments he paid her, were in the most extravagant style of fashionable adulation. To take what he said in a serious point of view, Adeliza's good sense forbade: she therefore either returned his overflowing civilities with pleasantry, or answered him in a style of such proud irony, as totally defeated the end he wished to obtain. In the evening, music was proposed by Lord Raby, and with pleasure assented to by the rest of the party. Here Sir Armine shone with peculiar grace, being a perfect cognoscente VOL. I. He cognoscente in this charming science. played with masterly execution and the greatest taste on almost every instrument, and sang with the utmost harmony. Here, too, Adeliza particularly excelled, and this evening even outdid herself. The applause she received from all (excepting Lady Jane) really pained her; for, unused to such high encomiums, she feared she could not possibly merit them, and, for that reason, felt rather depressed than gratified. At Raby Castle all was now bustle and gaiety; and Mrs. Pembroke, who had not recovered spirits enough to enjoy it, fancied herself a restraint upon her friends. This she could not reconcile to her scrupulous feelings; therefore proposed to Adeliza returning home. Her daughter, who saw and grieved at the visible dejection into which her dear mother had relapsed, though though she endeavoured as much as possible to conceal it, made not the least objection to this arrangement, nor in the least repined at being deprived of such pleasing society and although Lady Ca- therine was grieved to part with her amiable friend so soon, she too well knew the firmness of her mind, to think of attempting to persuade her to prolong her stay with them. Lady Raby considerately insisted upon their taking little Margaret with them for a week or two. "I know," said she, "no one to whom I would entrust my darling but yourself. With you, my dear friend, I feel she will be as safe as under my own eye. Her lively sallies and infantine gaiety will amuse you; and I trust, when she returns to me, it will be in company with restored to ease and serenity.” C 2 you, After After thanking the ladies for their friendly attention, and taking a polite leave of the gentlemen, who declared they were miserable at the idea of so soon losing their society; and from Sir Armine in particular, Adeliza receiving many elegant compliments, our friends stepped into the carriage with the delighted Margaret, and arrived in safety at the ancient structure, that for many years had been the residence of the Pembroke family. CHAR CHAP. III. Once by the Muse alone inspir'd For having feigned so well, Has made my heart so fond of thee, Can accents soft enough inspire, Its real flame to tell. TIME of this once fine building totally useless. in former hostile days, been strongly It had, |