to Douglas in his observations upon Miss Airey, who, in the exaltation of his sentiments, appeared to him sometimes as a fair deluded victim, building upon expectations eventually to be frustrated. Thus commiserating her situation, how much did he desire that he had it in his power to ward off the evils which menaced her.
Amongst the officers surrounding her, he whose flatteries seemed to gain the most upon her attention was one of all the regiment most likely to deceive her, to lead her unwarily into the supposition that the apparent devotion he paid her would be followed by an offer of his hand; when, in reality, his aim was merely to divert himself at her expense, to chase apathy, and pass away the flying minutes by the pleasures of gallantry. How remain an indifferent spectator, thought the generous Douglas, and not lend an assistant hand to save her from the impending sorrow, ere she will find herself suddenly neglected, deserted, and that perhaps at a time when her heart will have become entangled too deeply to admit of redress!
But how proceed, thought he; what steps should he take? What right had he to interfere in a point so nice and delicate, and one in which he had no concern, excepting what interest in Miss
