It is strange,--the repugnance with which she regarded the suit of her affianced!--she, whose heart was yet virgin; who had never seen any one who, in form, manner, and powers to please, could be compared to the gay Lord Vargrave.

And yet a sense of honour, of what was due to her dead benefactor, her more than father,--all combated that repugnance, and left her uncertain what course to pursue, uncalculating as to the future.

In the happy elasticity of her spirits, and with a carelessness almost approaching to levity, which, to say truth, was natural to her, she did not often recall the solemn engagement that must soon be ratified or annulled; but when that thought did occur, it saddened her for hours, and left her listless and despondent.

The visit to Mrs.Merton was, then, finally arranged, the day of departure fixed, when, one morning, came the following letter from Lord Vargrave himself:-- To the LADY VARGRAVE, etc.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--I find that we have a week's holiday in our do-nothing Chamber, and the weather is so delightful, that I long to share its enjoyment with those I love best.

You will, therefore, see me almost as soon as you receive this; that is, I shall be with you at dinner on the same day.