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48 its history, to know that the study would be rather awkward as a show-room in company; but a tête-à-tête is so confidential. With a little of mamma's assistance, Adelaide contrived to separate from the others, enter the room alone, and Lord Etheringhame was obliged to follow. "Constancy till death" is a common motto on glass seals—very proper substance for such an inscription; and before the picture of his late love, Algernon offered his vows to the new. Sympathy and confidence open the heart wonderfully; and Adelaide left that room the future Countess of Etheringhame. Lady Lauriston was astonished and affected, after the most approved fashion. Mr. Stanmore was really surprised; and having some idea that it was a man's duty to marry, (he had had two wives himself), was very ready with his rejoicings and congratulations, which Lady Lauriston diverted most ingeniously from the lover, whose nerves she still considered in a most delicate state. One disagreeable part of the business remained for Algernon, which was to write to his brother. Change of opinion is like waltzing—very much the fashion, and very proper; but the English have so many ridiculous