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20 who frequented the Villa, none was held in higher estimation by the General than Douglas; his cheerful ease and pleasantry, the intelligence which animated his remarks, his knowledge of the worlds dispelled that inclination to seriousness which the General had gradually imbibed from the daily contemplation of his misfortunes. The discourse turned upon politics; but to Douglas, though he entered into the discussion with appropriate argument, and gave his opinions freely, the subject was at that moment the most indifferent, Rosilia and the birth-day gala claiming the first place in his thoughts. Every moment he was on the point of abruptly breaking off the conversation; and when the first pause ensued he expressed to Rosilia his hopes of seeing her at Sir Charles and Lady Valpée's fête on the following Thursday.

"We have received an invitation," she replied, "but have declined accepting it."

The eyes of Douglas, before brilliant and penetrating, instantly betrayed disappointment and regret. "Declined?", said he, in accents of impatience; "do you really intend not going?"

Upon Rosilia confirming what she had before said, endeavouring to conceal his chagrin, he added reproachfully, "You must indeed have much forbearance to refuse a festivity so novel, and which