of the attractions of one lady, is to be blind to those of the rest. Edward thought Miss Arundel "a great acquisition to their circle," and a very pretty sweet creature; but he never even thought of falling in love with her, and certainly she did not think of it either. Thus, matters stood at present—very sufficient to give a shadowy softness to her eyes, and brilliancy to her blush. And yet the camellia japonicas (those delicate white flowers, which seemed as if carved in ivory by some sculptor whose inspiration has been love till all that is beautiful is to him something sacred), and the geraniums in the window behind, could have witnessed that their conversation had been carried on in a tone of exclusive gaiety, and that the only arrows flung round were those of laughing sarcasm.
Strangers and friends had been alike passed in gay review—strangers, for their dress and manners; and friends—our friends always share the worst—to dress and manners added tempers, opinions, and habits—their whole internal and external economy. It is a wise law of nature, that we only hear at second-hand what is said of us, when, at least, we can comfort ourselves with disbelief. His Satanic
