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60 of late cast a deeper tenderness over the page of the poet, and given a keener interest to the creation of the romance. Her creed of love was taken from Sir Philip Sydney's "Arcadia," and its real life grew out of the gentle tenderness native to her naturally melancholy temper—the result, perhaps, of a very solitary existence, and of health uncertain, if not positively weak.

Francis at first sought only amusement, and made love to her as he would to any other pretty girl, for he belonged to a school who considered gallantry as something between a relaxation and a science. It was, however, impossible for his feelings not to become interested—something of the truth and poetry of her nature communicated themselves to his own. Not that he was prepared to make one sacrifice for her sake, but then she expected none; her presence was a delight, and he left the future to chance. And Lucy, she too was happy; she hoped for nothing—she wished for nothing. To see him every day, to listen to him, to dwell with trembling joy on the slightest instance of preference, was enough to fill up the circle of her charmed existence.

But Lady Evelyn soon penetrated into her heart, and with a sorrow allied to anger. Alas for the weakness of human pride! Lady Evelyn