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52 her, "and as such frequents the best circles. She is one who improves upon acquaintance, rendering herself as agreeable in small parties, termed family ones, as in large entertainments and crowded rooms."

Mrs. De Brooke replied, that she could have no objection to form the acquaintance of Mrs. Belmour, since it appeared she was so unceremonious and so conformable to the taste of her friends, in respect to her mode of visiting them.

Sir Howard having taken for that evening a box at the theatre, and having some tickets to dispose of, in presenting them to Mrs. De Brooke, begged of her to do him the honour of accepting them; which, as she did not refuse, he added, that if she consented, he would go immediately and engage Mrs. Belmour to be of the party. Thus, as this desired introduction had been planned between Mrs. Belmour and Melliphant, it took place through the medium of Sir Howard: strange as it may appear, the latter was made the instrument of effecting a plan concerted against himself.

Previous to meeting Rosilia in Kensington Gardens, and of becoming known to her parents in Portland Place, Sir Howard Sinclair, from his love of wealth alone, had been induced to pay serious attention to Mrs. Belmour; who, flattered at the idea of espousing one younger than herself, and of adding a title to her fortune, if she was not desirous of relinquishing her liberty, yet had by no means made up her mind to reject a suitor so worthy of her