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 would lead him to some explanation of his behaviour, that might spare her any serious remonstrance upon its unwelcome singularity.

"Why, what's this?" cried he gaily, yet with a gaiety not perfectly easy; "do you want to run away from me?"

"No, my lord," answered she, gravely, yet forcing a smile, which she hoped would prove, at once, a hint, and an inducement to him to end the scene as an idle and ill-judged frolic; "No; I have only been afraid that your lordship was running away from yourself!"

"And why so?" cried he, with quickness, "Is Harleigh the only man who is ever to be honoured with your company tête-à-tête?"

"What can your lordship mean?"

"What can the lovely Ellis blush for? And what can Harleigh have to offer, that should obtain for him thus exclusively all favour? If it be adoration of your charms, who shall adore them more than I will? If it be in proofs of