You see, being such a handsome girl, and so wealthy, and rather an undiscovered novelty in the county as yet, she would draw a crowded room, and greatly benefit the funds.' 'Miss Power going to play herself ?--I am rather surprised,' said Somerset.

'Whose idea is all this ?' 'O, Captain De Stancy's--he's the originator entirely.

You see he is so interested in the neighbourhood, his family having been connected with it for so many centuries, that naturally a charitable object of this local nature appeals to his feelings.' 'Naturally!' her listener laconically repeated.

'And have you settled who is to play the junior gentleman's part, leading lover, hero, or whatever he is called ?' 'Not absolutely; though I think Captain De Stancy will not refuse it; and he is a very good figure.

At present it lies between him and Mr.
Mild, one of our young lieutenants.