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 audience, consisting of some of the principal families of Sussex, was arrived, than he addressed, and endeavoured to encourage her.

"I am aware, Sir," she said, "that it may seem rather like vanity than diffidence, for one situated as I am to feel any alarm; for as I can have raised no expectations, what have I to fear from giving any disappointment? Nevertheless, now the time is come, the attempt grows formidable. It must seem so strange—so wond'rous strange,—to those who know not how little my choice has been consulted—"

She was interrupted, for all was ready; and Harleigh was summoned to open the piece, by the famous question, "Why did I marry?"

The fright which now had found its way into the mind of the new Lady Townly, augmented every moment till she appeared; and it was then so great, as nearly to make her forget her part, and occasion what, hesitatingly, she was