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274 to keep pace with the speed of Harcourt, as much from feelings of rivalry as from inquisitiveness to prove what might be the result.

At last the carriage stops in Portland Place; Rosilia—for it was she—alights, followed by her mother; the door closes upon them, and the carriage drives away.

Transfixed to the spot, Harcourt lost the opportunity of making his inquiries of the coachman. Spell-bound, motionless, and silent, he stood gazing at the door which had concealed the lovely Rosilia from his sight, until roused by his companion. "Well," exclaimed the latter, "we have at least gained one point; we have discovered her residence: and it is certain that here for the present the affair must rest. Come, Harcourt; come with me to St. James's."

Harcourt made no reply, but having taken a few turns before the house, and, through the closed blinds of the parlour windows, having again beheld, though indistinctly, that form to him so surpassing fair, he suffered himself to be led away, with a downcast air, indifferent as to where he went.

He who had thus intruded upon Harcourt, had recognised in Rosilia one with whom he had been struck at the fête champêtre of Sir Charles and Lady Valpée; it being no other than Sir Howard