"I do think," resumed Horatio, “ while you were unable to go out yourself, it would rather have done your pony good to have suffered her to ride it." "I would have done so with pleasure," answered Miss Somerville; "but she never made me any such request." “Oh, Julia, you surely must mistake! She says she had a great fancy for it, but that you preferred letting the animal grow idle and restive in the stable to suffering another to mount him.” "And can you believe this improbable story? I will go directly to Mrs. Somerville, and get her to clear up the mistake, which must have originated in some stupidity of the groom." "Not on your life, Julia!" exclaimed Horatio, vehemently laying his hand on her arm. 66 My poor little lamb entreated I would not mention the matter to you; but she declared, with tears, that was not the only instance in which you did not seem to love her as formerly." "And " And you listen to these vague accusations, Somerville! and you admit them against your poor Julia-against the sister who was the first means, by drawing her to the house, of bringing you acquainted with Miss De Ross-who pointed out to you her merits, while you, as yet, seemed insensible to them. Oh, Amelia! Horatio! have I been mistaken in both your characters?" A shower of bitter tears succeeded this passionate exclamation; and Horatio, who was really one of the bestnatured men in the world, for the first time felt himself not quite happy between his sister and his wife. This cloud was soon dispersed; but Julia could never discover what had induced Mrs, Somerville thus secretly to complain of her to her husband; and the doubt which this conduct raised greatly diminished the former charm of their intercourse. Some months had been now spent at Richmond, when, one morning, at breakfast, fast, Amelia entered, with open letters in her hand, and, in some perturbation, addressed Horatio-"My dearest love! here is lady Claremont wants her villa again; must we go back to that odious Rothbury ?" 66 My sweetest lamb! I suppose we must; for what else is there to be done?" "But, my heart! the house wants such a variety of things to make it habitable; and then the neighbourhood is made up of such an intolerable set. And there will be Mrs. Mapletoft, and Mrs. Sanderson, and aunt Ravenshawe, with their congratulations-ah, how detestable, all to go over again! And if I do hate any body on earth," continued Amelia, her mild eyes, for the first time, striking fire, "it is odious aunt Ravenshawe!" Julia looked at her with amazement; but Horatio only replied, in an irresolute tone-"I suppose then, my my life! have me give up the Lodge, house in town?" you would and take a "Not "Not for me, my heart! but I am sure it would be much more for your own advantage and interest. And there is my brother William writes me word, that my father and sisters are all coming up to town, and that they will be quite disappointed if I don't go out and shew myself a little this winter. And lady Claremont says there is a very pretty house in Street she could take for us, quite moderate, though elegant and genteel." 66 Well, my heart! be it as you please." Horatio said this at the moment to rid himself of present trouble; but reflection only strengthened the temptation he felt to try the joys and gaieties of London again. Julia was consulted, but evidently more as a matter of form than with a real desire to have her opinion; and such being the state of things, the bridal party, early in the season, found themselves established near their relations, in a fashionable part of London. CHAP CHAPTER IV. Wit, beauty, goodness, sentiment refined, Gay beaming smiles, and each still-varying grace; BELQE, As soon as they were settled in their new house in London, the bridal party were involved in a round of pleasurable engage, ments, and Julia was introduced to the members of lord Lulworth's family with whom she was as yet unacquainted, Lady Claremont was the only one whom she had not yet seen, and the young widow wrote her sister word that she |