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 a still thicker mask of rouge, a keen observer could detect a livid face, blanched lips, and red restless eyes.

Rachel received her two friends with the greatest warmth, and then devoted herself to making Mrs. Hopkinson comfortable; but not before Willis, hovering in the back-ground, had had the pleasure of seeing his parasols examined and apparently admired, and the unusual cordiality with which Rachel afterwards met him, convinced him that his kindness to his sisters-in-law had given satisfaction to the lady of his love.

"I can't think what Lady Chester meant," said Harcourt, joining the two sisters, "by talking of the Baroness as uncivil and important. I have had considerable difficulty in escaping from her gratitude to me, for honouring her with my presence here to-day, I felt like a Royal Duke, and half expected to hear the band play 'God save the Queen,' as I stepped with much dignity out on the lawn. Now, Miss Rose, shall we go and hear the music in the saloon, which the