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Rh was invited, much to my contentment, as I was certain to meet Lily there.

When I entered the hall, I beheld the object of my affections looking more beautiful and more irresistible than ever. She was engaged in executing one of those graceful performances I have before described, with a tall and handsome youth named Phoebus, who was one of my familiar friends, but who had not accompanied us on the late hunting expedition. When the music ceased, Lily espied me and gave me such a sweet smile, that I was at her side in an instant, and engaged her for the next dance. Phoebus left us to seek another partner for himself. I gave Lily a warm pressure of the hand, which I fancied she returned with a lingering tenderness.

"You have been absent a long time," she began.

"Ah," replied I; "it has indeed seemed long to me. May I flatter myself that you have missed me a little?"

"Indeed, I have missed you a great deal," she returned with emphasis;" I wanted to ask you so many questions about your funny English ways. I am so glad you are back again."

The dear girl really looked so pleased to see me, and her large lustrous eyes seemed to me to smile so tenderly on me, that I resolved to ask her then and there to be mine. I longed to know if she had felt the same void during my absence as I had. I almost wished to hear her say that she had felt sad and melancholy while I was absent. I said with affected carelessness:—

"How have you been amusing yourself since I had last the happiness of seeing you?"

"Oh! moderately," she replied; "there was a