with an awning of blue silk, she took a place beside her: but Lord Merton was too well pleased with his companion to part; and, somewhat unceremoniously appropriating a shawl which hung near, spreading it, lest the grass should be damp, he seated himself at their feet—a plan which succeeded beyond his expectations, for he thus secured two listeners. Emily assumed an air of attention, but her thoughts were far away. She looked on the flowers which Lorraine had given her a few hours since—they were drooping already; and was this the day from which she had expected so much pleasure? What a stupid thing a fête was! What a waste of time and expense! So much bad taste too! Lucky is it for a hostess her verdict does not de pend on young ladies, unless she could call a parliament of love, and arrange all its little affairs in her own favour. And yet all this was not so much discontent as disguise. Who does not shrink from love's first avowal? and how much so, when that avowal is to be made in secret, in silence, and in vain? Her temples beat with that acute pain which makes every sound a torture; her sight was as composed as her thoughts; and she breathed with difficulty; to speak almost choked her.
