Mr. Massenburg sent Eliza out of the room on some trifling pretence; and as soon as she had closed the door, said in a hurried voice, to his companion, "It would not be prudent-I don't like going into public-especially now." "Unnecessary caution; what should you dread?" "Every thing." - "Nothing. If I fear nothing, why need you!"-More he added; but the remainder was in a whisper, as Eliza reentered the room. The result of their short conference was, however, favourable; as O'Neale succeeded in wringing a reluctant acquiescence from Mr. Massenburg. As to the manner of going, Mr. Massenburg was inflexible. O'Neale wished to send and secure seats in the dress boxes, but he would not consent; and after a moment's reflection, O'Neale desisted. As to Eliza, she went not to be seen, but to see; and therefore to her, this part of the arrangement was uninteresting. "Accordingly, at an early hour, Eliza, muffled up in her shawl and veil, accompanied by her father and Mr. O'Neale, repaired to Drury Lane Theatre, and took their station in an upper tier of boxes. It would be a vain effort to describe the new-born sensations of wonder and admiration, the splendid scene created. Those who have been long accustomed to the brilliant spectacle may not conceive them; but, perhaps, among my readers there may be some who can remember the novelty of feeling, and by their own sensations may judge of Eliza's. After this night Mr. O'Neale seemed determined that Eliza should see something of London, and enter into some of its amusements; trusting, that by contributing to her pleasure, he should become agreeable to her fancy. A mistake in this, as in many other cases; for we often love the end, while we continue totally indifferent about the means. "Miss Massenburg must positively see the Exhibition, at Somerset House!" suddenly exclaimed O'Neale, one morning, as the thought occurred to him "it is, this year, unequalled!” "We are always going out, I think," said Mr. Massenburg. "Miss Massenburg is so much confined at home, that she might almost as well be immured in a nunnery." "I think I shall send her back into Yorkshire." "Indeed, you shall not." Pray, my good Don, do not look so tremendous! My knowledge in predestination enables me to tell you, that the fate that hangs over your head forbids such a scheme. You dare not rebel!" "We will not go to Somerset House, however!" "We will!" said O'Neale. And, notwithstanding the evident dislike Mr. Massenburg entertained towards him, the extraordinary influence O'Neale seemed to possess over his mind, in a few moments enabled him to verify his assertion; for, after a few whispered words, Mr. Massenburg expressed his readiness to repair to Somerset House. But Eliza had seen his previous unwillingness; and did not wish to avail herself of a reluctant assent. "I think, my dear father," she said, "that I have, as you hint, rambled about rather too much lately; and this morning, with your permission, I had rather remain at home." Eliza, not doubting his acceptance of her resignation, withdrew to her own room. Here a message from Mr. Massenburg soon followed her, desiring her to prepare for the expedition. wondered, and obeyed. Eliza They went; and Eliza surveyed with delighted attention, these monuments of human genius. The rooms were not full, and she wandered from one painting to another, undecided in her preference, and awarding the palm of superiority to all in turn. At length she stopped before the full length portrait of a military officer; attracted, not so much by the regularity of feature, as by the animated expression of countenance the limner had so successfully pourtrayed. The figure, commanding, tall, and finely proportioned, was habited in the elegant costume of his regiment. The eye had in it a fire, and a force of meaning, that rivetted attention, and deprived Eliza of the power of examining any other feature. Her own eye sunk beneath the fancied glance : she retreated a few steps, and again looked up; but the delusion continued.His eye follows mine; I cannot help shrinking from it; yet how can I be so weak! I will look again,-She continued |