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92 believed that he loved her still. People who have once loved must love for ever, and though nothing would happen to break off her engagement, her dislike to it was as strong as ever. Lady Gower had determined on declaring it, and invited John Derrick to Gower's Court, where he had the pleasure of seeing his present worn, and his choice justified; for after she was known to be engaged, Eveline met with more general admiration than before. His friends and acquaintances congratulated him on having won the young beauty before she had come out, and he was favourably introduced by Lady Gower to the society he had longed for. He accompanied Lady Eveline to Darlington Castle, and if the kindest reception possible from the Earl and Countess could have made up for the coldness and timidity of his bride-elect, he might have been satisfied. To a certain extent he was satisfied; Eveline would of course grow very fond of him when she was married to him, and in the mean time she was not teasing or exacting; he had more liberty in his state of engagement than any young fellow of his acquaintance.

Miss Hope had wondered at John Derrick's being invited to Gower's Court, and after that to Darlington Castle, but as he had parted from