gravity; while Lady Catherine, with spirit, replied

66

Certainly, Jane, you cannot think as you say; for Adeliza is as much above affectation, as she surpasses all praise."

"You are a noble girl for thus taking up the cause of your angel friend; and," continued Percy, kissing her glowing cheek, "accept a brother's warmest thanks. Nothing surely but envy's self could censure so perfect a being as Miss Pembroke. Oh Jane! three years ago you would not thus have spoken of your friend."

"Friend!" retorted Lady Jane, indignantly; "I never boasted of the honour of Miss Pembroke's friendship. No, to her female champion on your right, belongs that enviable title."

The contemptuous manner in which this was expressed, cut the timid Catherineto the heart; and, bursting into tears, she entreated her haughty sister's pardon, if she had given her offence. It was granted in an ungracious manner, but accepted with sweet humility. This little fray awoke most unpleasant sensations in the breasts of more than one person at table; but, as each confined their uneasiness to their ownbreast, good humour was, to all appearance, in a great measure, restored. Lord Raby, without giving himself leave to think why, was both hurt and alarmed at the generous warmth with which his son had spoken of Adeliza. This Lady Raby easily read in the countenance of her Lord, and trembled for the happiness of her son. Lady Jane burned with anger

and

and mortification; Lady Catherine felt uncomfortable that she had, though innocently, been the cause of uneasiness; Percy, wounded in the tenderest and most vulnerable point, grieved for, and wondered at the cruelty of human nature; while Sir Armine Temple, tortured by jealous fears, durst scarcely confess, even to himself, how much he felt convinced, beyond a doubt, that he loved the too fascinating and beautiful Adeliza. When he contemplated his handsome rival, he almost began to dread that he might for once prove an unsuccessful suitor; for he had as yet, or fancied he had, proved irresistible. This was to him a most mortifying and unwelcome reflection, which, however, he in vain endeavoured to banish from his mind. In short, the only unruffled and unconcerned person at table, was Lord Richmond.

It will be necessary to go back a few

years, and give an account of circumstances which will explain some of the present proceedings. Adeliza and Percy, brought up together from their infancy,

Lady

loved each other with the purest and most ardent passion, which "grew with their growth, and strengthened with their strength;" though, at that time, in a manner unknown to themselves. Raby, ever an attentive and affectionate mother, devoted her whole time and thoughts to her family, Raby Castle being her constant place of residence.

Lord

Raby, unused to confinement or controul, could not bear this dull and monotonous life himself, though he highly approved of it for his Lady; therefore, when either business or inclination invited, he went to town as usual, and there enlivened the

scene.

The Countess, as we have observed, laid it down as a rule, from which she never deviated, on no account whatever, either to make enquiry, or objection to any scheme

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