Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/98

96 "Oh, pray, go on! it is," said she, smiling, "so pleasant to hear one's own praises." "Ah!" exclaimed Sir George, "do not, even for one moment, imitate her, in laughing at all that is serious and true." It was not pleasant to be supposed imitating Lady Mary, so Henrietta was silent; and her companion continued:— "I said that I feared you—ah, beautiful, beloved, as you are!—and you know it!" exclaimed he, passionately, interrupting the words he saw trembling on her lip. "It is no light thing to know that all control over my own happiness is gone from me for ever; that my very life depends upon your will." And what did Henrietta say? Nothing; but she listened. They were soon rejoined by the society; and Lady Marchmont strove to still the reproach, which would make itself heard, by forcing the gayest spirits: affection became suddenly matter of the lightest raillery.

It is said that ridicule is the test of truth: it is never applied, but when we wish to