Why, even you, my lady, both trembled and blushed when Varney brought the letter from my lord." "You are bold, damsel," said the Countess, rising from the cushions on which she sat half reclined in the arms of her attendant.

"Know that there are causes of trembling which have nothing to do with fear .-- But, Janet," she added, immediately relapsing into the good-natured and familiar tone which was natural to her, "believe me, I will do what credit I can to your father, and the rather that you, sweetheart, are his child.

Alas! alas!" she added, a sudden sadness passing over her fine features, and her eyes filling with tears, "I ought the rather to hold sympathy with thy kind heart, that my own poor father is uncertain of my fate, and they say lies sick and sorrowful for my worthless sake! But I will soon cheer him--the news of my happiness and advancement will make him young again.

And that I may cheer him the sooner"-- she wiped her eyes as she spoke--"I must be cheerful myself.

My lord must not find me insensible to his kindness, or sorrowful, when he snatches a visit to his recluse, after so long an absence.