404 THE MASTER OF THE HOUNDS. 



" To me," she replied, " everything I have witnessed to-day 

 has been most delightful. The dear old earl's unaffected, almost 

 parental kindness to his poor neighbours, and their joyous 

 looks, beaming with gratitude, in return, awaken kindred 

 feelings in my own heart, and recall the associations of my 

 earlier years, when I was a country girl. Happy are they, 

 indeed (if they could estimate truly that happiness), who live a 

 country life, far removed from the bustle and turmoil of the 

 city ; and I can truly say — 



1 From the court to the cottage convey me away, 

 For I'm weary of grandeur and what they call gay, 



"Where pride without measure, 



And pomp without pleasure, 

 Make life in a circle of hurry decay.' 



Tm. tired to death of London dust and smoke — I have never 

 seen a more united family than yours appears to be ; and really 

 have serious thoughts of taking some place in the neighbour- 

 hood, to be near your excellent uncle, with whom I confess to 

 have fallen desperately in love." 



" Well, then," said Fred, lowering his voice, " as you cannot 

 be the earl's wife, will it content you to be his niece 1 " 



For a moment she gazed steadfastly on her partner's face ; 

 and in the serious look which met her inquiring eyes, she read 

 his meaning, but made no response. 



" Have I offended you," he asked, in a quiet, subdued tone, 

 u by my abrupt question 1 " 



" No," she replied, as the colour rose to her very brow ; " I 

 will not pretend to misunderstand you, but " 



" Stay one moment, ere you pronounce my doom," he said, 

 earnestly. " Remember your promise at Almack's, which I 

 have pondered on ever since — how fondly and fatally, none will 

 ever know ; for I see my fate hangs on a thread, which one 

 more word will sever. Oh, speak it not," he added ; " and for- 

 give my presumption in having ventured thus far." 



" Frederick," she said, gently, " I will spare your feelings 

 as much as I can, in justice to my own; but you must 

 not misunderstand either my sentiments or my words. I 

 like you as a friend and companion ; but our acquaintance 

 has been of very recent date, and I must see and know 

 more of you before I could entrust my happiness to your 



keeping." 



" Then you will not at once discard me, as I dreaded," he 

 murmured, passionately. " A thousand thanks for that conces- 

 sion. I ask no more. I am now content." 



