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ROMANCE AND REALITY.

a baronet figured in its pages—the heroine had a most authentic milliner—it was rumoured that Lady Holdernesse was the Marchioness of L.; and, altogether, it had had the most circulating success. Moreover, she had something to say about her husband, who had written a treatise on bats and beetles.

Emily was at that happy age which takes so much on trust: and her praise was quite elaborate in its enthusiasm. What a charm there must be in praise, when it consoles for all the miseries and mortifications of literature! The fair and fashionable author now mentioned the object of her visit, which was to induce her young friend to spend a long day with her, to which her young friend readily assented. "I shall be delighted—I will come early—you will excuse my dining in a morning dress—and we shall have such a delightful chat."

Mrs. Smithson's face perceptibly lengthened at the words "morning dress." "Why, my sweet girl, Monday is my little conversazione; my literary pursuits require literary connexions—only a very small circle, but all talented people: however, you will look well in any thing."

But before the Aspasia of Marylebone de-