Page:Romance & Reality 1.pdf/184

178 "Nay, this is pre-supposing my Sir John Mandevilleism. I do not mean to be forgotten beside my adventures—I mean less to astonish than to interest. I shall tell any fair auditor not of the dark forest itself, but what my feelings were in the said forest." "I dare say," said Lady Alicia, "you were very dull." "I shall be ignorant of that feeling at least for the next six weeks, during which period I intend to be your visitor." Edward did just glance towards where they were sitting; yet Emily could scarce help taking his speech as a personal compliment. Like poetry, gallantry must be born with you—an indescribable fascination, which, like the boundaries of wit and humour, may never be defined—seen rather than heard, and felt rather than understood. "How very handsome Mr. Lorraine is!" said Emily to her pillow. Alas! the danger and decisiveness of a first impression. When Mr. Delawarr, who was last at the breakfast-table, entered next morning, Edward rose, and threw down a paper he held amid a heap of others, and said, laughingly, "I have been deliberating, at the imminent danger of