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Rh. But when she heard from Melliphant that another engaged that homage which had been before paid to herself, she resolved to be revenged for his inconstancy, by acting in a manner which should decidedly favour the views of his rival; and if, upon finding his hopes with regard to Rosilia frustrated, she should be so fortunate as once again to bring him to renew his addresses to herself, how great would be her triumph in then giving him his final dismission.

Thus acting, in concurrence with the desire of Melliphant (who, the more to favour his designs, determined to act an apparently neutral part), Mrs. Belmour, with pointed accents, watching the effect of her words, spoke to Sir Howard of the De Brookes, telling him, that when an occasion offered, she much desired an introduction to them; hesitating and stammering, he would have excused himself in a thousand ways, being wholly unprepared for a demand which, if complied with, would place him, as he conceived, in so awkward a situation. Mrs. Belmour, however, strenuously renewing her request, fearing to give rise to suspicion, he made a virtue of necessity, and promised obedience to her wishes.

"What do you think has happened to me?" said Sir Howard, upon seeing Melliphant; "Mrs. Belmour is desirous of being introduced to the De Brookes, and of all persons in the world she has fixed upon me to bring it about. I have promised compliance, but shall evade doing so, if possible."