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32 Sir Charles had proposed making a little circuit for the amusement of the ladies about the grounds, and, with a polite attention, Valpée offered to conduct them, happy to seize upon such a resource, the sisters having been left to him for entertainment. Possessing a natural gravity, and in the habit of concentrating his thoughts by study, he spoke but little. The conversation, therefore, was chiefly supported by Oriana, whose characteristic was gaiety. She combined ready wit with playful repartee; and not easily abashed, she was, though so young, ever mistress of herself. The desire to please and fascinate the amiable Valpée, though unacknowledged to herself, predominated over her feelings; her remarks were in consequence animated, her manners sprightly, and notwithstanding the attractions of her person, were far from being such as to excite lively and sudden impressions; yet endowed with the power of recommending herself by the means of her various accomplishments, she succeeded in engaging and fixing the attentions of those around her.

A few gentlemen inhabiting the neighbourhood had been invited to dinner, and the first who arrived was Douglas: he advanced with fashionable ease into the middle of the circle, and after making his salutations to Lady Valpée and her