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body that has tried it once will ever try it again -I speak from experience.-I once tried to go without my dinner; but, I can tell you, it was anything but agreeable; in short, it will not do, let people say as they will.-What nice-looking whitings-that's one of Mr Whyte's favourite dishes, nicely crisped with bread crumbs-and this is a Bellevue chuckie, I'm sure, fat and fair. -I declare it's a treat to me to sit down to such a dinner; for I'm perfectly sick of the sight of turtle soup and great fat venison.-I was really wearying to get to my own house for a little, if it was only to refresh myself with a drop plain barley-broth, and a bit boiled mutton; and what a pleasant thing for a few friends to meet this way, instead of these great hubbleshows of people one sits down with now, where there's no carrying on anything like rational conversation-Mrs St Clair, allow me to help you-Miss Mary, you're doing very little-Miss St Clair, my dear, take a little wine with me to cheer you this bad day. Is this elder-flower wine, Miss Black?-Upon my word, it's very little inferior to Anthony Whyte's Frontiniac- Here's a health to them that's awa," "-with a significant look, and an attempt at the tune.

"By the by, what did you think when you saw Mr Delmour's carriage stop ?-I doubt you were a little disappointed, eh ?"

Gertrude felt too miserable even to be moved by Miss Pratt's ill-timed jests, and she remained pale, cold, and silent. To attempt to carry on anything resembling conversation in Miss Pratt's company was impossible; yet to endure her idle tattle for a whole evening was a sacrifice too great even for Miss Black's patience and good breeding. It was in vain to have recourse to music, as she then fastened herself upon some one of the company, and carried on her colloquy in loud whispers, even more annoying to a nice-toned ear than open declamation. The only effectual mode of silencing her, then, was by reading aloud; and although she highly disapproved of that manner of passing the time, and indeed remarked, what a wearing-out thing it was for the reader, and how much easier it was for all parties just to sit and chat, yet her objections were politely waived; and Miss Mary, taking up a volume of Mackenzie, read the exquisitely beautiful story of La Roche-which served as a prelude to the solemn acts of devotion with which the evening closed.

CHAPTER IX.

I play the torturer by small and small,

To lengthen out the worst that must be spoken.

SHAKESPEARE.

THE sacred emotions which had been raised in Gertrude's soul had, while they lasted, shed their soothing influences on her heart; but when these ceased, she felt gladness only that the day was done, and that she should now be alone. Hurrying to her chamber, she took out the often perused letter of her lover-the only one she had ever received from him, but that one, did it not stand for a thousand? There was all that the warmest, tenderest passion could dictate-there was every assurance of devoted, unchanging, everlasting attachment-and again, and again, she repeated, that to doubt was base-was dishonourable; but even while she repeated it, a vague secret doubt

lurked in her mind unknown to herself. She was roused from her contemplation by a knock at her door; and ere she had time to reply to the summons, Miss Pratt's head, in a night-cap, presented itself, with "May I come in ?"-And taking it for granted, (as people generally do on those occasions,) she immediately entered." So, I guessed you would not be in a hurry to go to your bedyoung people all like to sit up late-and, indeed, I'm not over fond of very early hours myself, so we'll just have a little chat," carefully extinguishing her candle." This is a nice snug little room, and I dare say you'll sleep as sound here, as in your fine silk bed at Rossville-and, by the by, how long is it since you left the Castle, and how uncle to part with you?”

came your

Contrary to Miss Pratt's usual manner, she waited for an answer, and Gertrude replied, that they had left Rossville almost three weeks since, and there she stopped.

"And your uncle made no objections to your coming here? Of course, you could not have come, indeed, if he had opposed it; and I suppose you're to make some stay in that case ?"

Gertrude replied, that there was no time fixed

for their departure, and Miss Pratt for a moment looked as if a little baffled; but, quickly recovering, she seized Gertrude's hand, and trying to look tender,

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My only reason for asking, my dear, is, that I really don't think you agree with this townyou don't look so well as when I saw you at Rossville-I wish all may be quite right," patting the hand which was withdrawn from her with something of a look of displeasure. But the ice was now broke, and she plunged boldly in.—“ My only reason, indeed, for supposing there was anything wrong is, that I've received a most extraordinary letter since I saw you, from Lord Rossville ―really a most impertinent letter,”-rummaging her pockets, and dragging out from each receptacle a vast collection of letters, notes, memoranda, &c. &c. amongst which she picked for some time, but to no purpose, for the missive in question; then, with a look of alarm-" Bless my heart! I wish I mayn't have lost it"—shaking herself most vehemently-" It would really be an awkward thing, for, 'pon my word, it's a letter not fit to be seen by anybody-what he could mean by writing such a letter to me of all people! In

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