FALSE REPRESENTATIONS. 101 



his eyes, so searching and almost fierce, that she felt frightened 

 when they were riveted on her. 



On the ladies retiring to the drawing-room, Mrs. Harcoitrt, 

 who had been exceedingly pleased with Lord Vancourt, could 

 not suppress her expressions of admiration, to which INIiss 

 Harley fully assented, declaring him a most charming, delight- 

 ful person, so well-informed and unaffected, although of such 

 superior manners and high talents. " In short, my dear 

 madam," said that crafty lady, "Lord Vancourt is quite the 

 ton in the highest circles in town, and eagerly sought after, also, 

 on account of his splendid fortune." 



'• Is it not surprising, then," inquired Mrs. Harcourt, " that 

 he is still unmarried ] " 



" Oh, not in the least ; his lordship is so very particular in 

 his choice, fearing he may be accepted on account of his title 

 and fortune : and I think it most probable, with his romantic 

 idea,s about women and marriage, that he will assume the dis- 

 guise of a walking tourist some day, in search of a country 

 damsel, and marry her for love only." 



This artful speech struck home to Mrs. Harcourt, who 

 thought secretly that he would be just the match to suit her 

 niece. Among the company that evening were the Rollestons, 

 who had brought with them Captain Melville ; and Caroline 

 HoUeston was sitting with Blanche, when Miss Harley was 

 passing such high eulogiums on Lord Yancourt. 



" Good heavens ! " said Caroline, " how can that woman go 

 on telling such stories about Lord Vancourt, who is one of the 

 most gay, dissipated men about town, and as poor as a country 

 curate ; and they do say, my dear " (in a whisper) " already 

 married to an opera dancer ? but the latter is a secret, which 

 Melville let fall one day, quite unintentionally, and therefore 

 it may be treason to mention it." 



" Do you think that can really be true 1 " inquired Blanche. 



" Indeed, I do ; Captain Melville is a person above the 

 suspicion of uttering a falsehood. And did you observe, before 

 dinner, when Lord Vancourt approached to shake hands with 

 him, that he drew back, making him a very low bow 1 " 



" Perhaps they may have had some quarrel," observed 

 Blanche. 



" Most likely," replied Caroline, " since no two men can be 

 of more opposite ideas ; but papa says that Captain Melville is 

 a perfect gentleman, and of most honourable feelings." 



As they were discussing these points, the gentlemen entered 



