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120 which he laboured, dressed himself with the greatest care. Sir Howard thought he had never seen him look to such advantage. They mounted the curricle, in waiting, and drove to Mrs. Belmour's, with the view of making her a party in the plot.

Sir Howard then, as acting openly in concert with Melliphant, was pleased to avail himself of a moment so propitious to advance his former interested designs upon the widow. Charmed to find she had brought him to her feet again, she resolved for a time to detain him there, flattered as she felt herself, and wavering with indecision as to whether she should adopt the title of ladyship or not. This high sounding title of distinction was most agreeable to her ear; but the idea of yielding up the sceptre she now held in her own hand, and placing it in that of one who would doubtless sway with absolute authority, "puzzled the will," and induced her, ere she decided, to reserve the matter for further consideration.

Having been instructed by Melliphant to act according to his desires, they left her to drive to the De Brookes.

"Are the ladies at home?" asked Sir Howard. "My mistress," answered the servant, "is in the drawing-room."

"And her daughter?" inquired Sir Howard.

"She is engaged in her own apartment."

Proceeding to mount the staircase with Melliphant, he whispered as he did so, "I would have remained below had she been with her mother, to give you the