young lady, who was a reputed beauty, that Sir Archibald had been earnest in his invitation; and he saw in his introduction to the Davenants a dangerous rival for Miss Jemima Graham, in the interesting Eliza, who was not of sufficient consequence for him to desire her to be the choice of his idolized nephew. The gallant air, with which he saw the Major lead Miss Massenburg in, struck him as being more than he liked; yet he remembered that his nephew's manners were always polished and courteous, and he loved him too well to damp his buoyant spirits with any shade of coldness, in the reception of his guests; and when the Major introduced them to him, he welcomed them with gentlemanly politeness, if not with cordiality.

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Well, my dear Sir Archibald," said the Major, looking at his watch, after some time spent in conversation, "I think we might venture to eat our dinner; it is nearly six o'clock, and an hour's grace

"One quarter of an hour, Allen, and then, if they do not come, we will wait no longer."

The quarter had expired, and the expected guests not arriving, Sir Archibald rang, and ordered dinner to be served. Just as the party had adjourned to the dining room, a travelling carriage drove into the court yard.. "There," exclaimed Sir Archibald, "there they are at last. Do, Allen, go and receive them; I would, only for this gout."

"I must say," returned the Major, "that, as they did not come an hoursooner, I wish they had not come till an hour later." He rose and left the room, in compliance with his uncle's request.

Eliza was near the window, and thus had an opportunity of observing the whole family. First, Mr. Graham alighted, then his son; Miss Jemima followed, the picture of affected delicacy, and lastly,

the Major handed out Mrs. Graham; "Psha!" said Sir Archibald, as he watched their progress by Eliza's side; "If I were a young man, would I leave a gay lady in that rude way, to walk alone! Especially such a lady! What an insensible!"

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"But," said Mr. Davenant, Major Douglas cannot attend to two ladies at oncc; and, besides, there are two other gentlemen; you see he is escorting the elder lady."

No time was left for reply, for the party almost immediately entered; and Sir Archibald advancing, received them with hospitable warmth.

My dear Mr. Graham, I am truly happy to see you here; and you, my fair ladies, are very charitable in thus honouring us with your company. You see my nephew has escaped from the perils of his last campaign, and returned to cheer us with his presence."

"I should think, Major Douglas," said

Mr. Graham, " you had almost better forsake your profession, and come and live here at Douglas Grange."

"Oh, if he would!" exclaimed Sir Archibald.

"I will own," said the Major, "that when I have witnessed the tender fears of my dear mother, her continued anxiety; and know that my kind father, and no less kind uncle, are full of solici tude on my account, I have felt that the highest glory to which I could arrive, might be too dearly purchased; but having once espoused my country's cause, how can I forsake it? Besides, I have all the ardour of my first choice still my heart."

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"Well," said Sir Archibald, "I trust that what the solicitations of his relations have not been able to effect, some pair of Houri's eyes will bring about. Come, my dear Miss Graham, have pity on the fellow; although he is rather sunburnt,

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he will not, I think, make a bad Benedict: try if the sunshine of your eyes cannot thaw the ice of his heart."

This Miss Jemima had already determined on, and therefore the advice was unnecessary. She was too languid after the fatigue of her journey to make any reply; and Sir Archibald, after having introduced the earlier to the later guests, proceeded to dinner. Very much vexed was Miss Jemima that the time would not allow her to dress; but having made a motion to that effect, it was instantly overruled, and she was compelled to sit down in her travelling attire.

"And why did not you get here sooner?" asked Sir Archibald; “We expected you much earlier."

Miss Graham coloured.

And Mr. Roderick Graham answered, in defiance of a hint from his mother, "Indeed, Sir Archibald, we should have been here much sooner, could we have