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ROMANCE AND REALITY.

deny the intense happiness of the mere presence of one we love?—not those who have felt it.

"So," said Mr. St. John, "after canvassing enough for two counties—a correspondence worthy of the days of Richardson—our Countess has prevailed on Lady Lauriston to allow the beauty to grace her fête."

"What!" exclaimed Edward; "Lady Adelaide here?"

"Yes; in the very next walk,—I have just paid my homage."

"Old friends of mine,—shall we go and speak?"—and Lorraine turned towards the next walk with an earnestness which made Emily bow, not speak, her assent.

They soon reached the trellice-work of roses beneath whose arch Adelaide and her brother were standing. A face of the most surpassing beauty lighted into smiles as Lorraine approached,—a few inquiries were made,—they moved on together,—the walk became narrower,—and in five minutes more, Emily found herself transferred to Lord Merton's care, and Lady Adelaide and Lorraine following. She had not even the satisfaction of watching her companions. Engrossed in their own conversation,