with Ethel: she is very attentive to me, and takes great care of all my pets, and executes the dull parts of my works, and finishes them for me when I am tired of them, and often assists me in my toilet, better than Lisette can. As to poor Albert, I do not wonder she is fond of him, for he is a gentle creature, and —————” one,-never will do any ho A very useless nour to the family; buried in learning that is profitless always star-gazing. Remember, Elizabeth, such pursuits will bring no stars or garters to decorate the persons of our noble house. Had Albert Delamere been another sort of man-had he been everything which he is not, he might have aspired to your hand, and his unhappy mother's wrongs--But what signifies dwelling on these circumstances? what is done is done." quickly, "To what wrongs do you allude, dear papa ?" But seeing her father look distressed, she added "Do not let anything vex you; be assured that your daughter will never disgrace her high lineage-never marry without your approbation and her own self-approval." The stature of Lady Elizabeth Delamere seemed to tower on high as she raised her graceful head, and gazed complacently at the reflection of her person in a mirror that hung near. Blessings be on you, dearest! you are my pride, my glory! To-morrow I wish you to appear befitting your rank; it is our public day, I shall be sorry if Ethel is not here to attend you." "Hark! the court-bell rings: she is arrived, I am sure, papa." And in a few minutes the groom of the chambers announced Mr. and Miss Delamere. Lord Altamont arose, bowed, and advanced bowing-took the lady's hand as she entered, and touched her forehead with his lips. "You are welcome home again, my dear young lady. Mr. Delamere, I am happy to have the honour of seeing you here. Will you not take a chair? Ethel, my love,—Miss Delamere,―pardon me vulgar familiarity breeds contempt - one is apt in these degenerate days to forget all the politeness which ought to distinguish us from the vulgar;-Miss Delamere, will you not be seated ?" "Pray do, my dear Ethel, do be comfortable," rejoined Lady Elizabeth; who, though in heart the same proud creature as her father, as far as manner went eschewed some of his formality." "I trust, Ethel," said Lord Altamont,-"excuse the liberty of speech,-will always feel herself at home in my house. But that word comfortable should be used with limitations and definitions as to its extent and meaning. For your squire there after a hard day's chase, comes in with dirty boots, whistles in his favourite dogs, and says he is comfortable! while the modern dandy places his back to the fire, (you'll excuse me, ladies,) and though many of the fair sex may be suffering from cold, turns up the flaps of his coat, occupies all the fireplace, and says he is comfortable." Comfortably ill-bred, I suppose he means. Comfort is only admissible when it does not make the discomfort of others." Lord Altamont's hearers smiled: he proceeded. "Not that I would, but every man should enjoy himself in his own way; only it must be with respect to others as long as they are in his presence. Let not, however, any shadow of doubt, my dear Mr. Delamere, rest upon your mind of my wish to render your sojourn with me as agreeable to you, and as consonant to your habits of life, as possible. For that reason I have placed your room near the south tower; and the laboratory has been put in order for you. So, I trust, you will find yourself, as it were, in your own apartment: pray consider my house yours. And now, perhaps, you will like to retire ?" Lord Altamont rang the bell. Delamere to his room." "Show Mr. The latter arose, coloured, for it was always painful to him to become an object of observation one of his legs was withered, and it was with difficulty he moved. Lord Altamont's politeness, however, supplied the place of good feeling, and as he bowed his nephew to the door, the latter could not suppose that he was thinking of anything except the graceful dismissal of his guest. Lady Elizabeth passed her arm through Ethel's, but left not the apartment without |