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176 motives for the attention, came across the room, exclaiming, "Since you do not remember me—"

"Nay," answered Evelyn, "it is I who wait upon your memory."

"Ah, I thought you were going to make the usual remark, that really I am so improved since I left Italy—"

"Pardon me," interrupted Evelyn; "this usual remark is not mine. I own I can see no improvement—perhaps it was impossible."

"Seriously"—this was said with a very gracious smile—"I am truly glad to see you; it is something not to have lost your head in England. But, now, do tell us all your adventures; and remember, we expect you to be very amusing."

This "we" might have been rendered "I;" for Marie soon contrived to engross the young cavalier's attention. The truth was, that Louis's attraction towards her had proceeded far enough for jealousy; he had more than once questioned her with evident pique about the attentions she received from many of the aspirants either to her or to her uncle's favour. She deemed it injudicious to encourage any; and yet the time often hung heavily on her hands. Now, Evelyn was a perfectly