of her sex could enter into the lists of conversation with her, or like her exhibit the exhaustless treasures of refinement and culture, in association with such lovely and truly feminine graces.
It was his custom to carry, as a pocket companion, a small edition of some favourite author, which he seldom looked into, excepting when desirous of shining as a man gifted with taste and intellectual endowment. Thomson's Seasons happened to be the volume on this occasion, and which, as applicable in some of its parts to the remarks that had passed, he opened; and with apt quotations, delivered with the precision of one who had made oratory his study, occupied the time until the barge arrived at its destination.
Sir Howard sprang to shore with the view of assisting Rosilia, who, not perceiving his design, was in the act of precipitating her light and agile person from the barge. Bending one knee to the earth, Sir Howard extended his arms; too late to avoid it, she was caught within them, but instantly disentangled herself. "'Twas dangerous, upon my life?" exclaimed Sir Howard; "'pon my soul, such a leap was venturesome in the extreme."
As the gentle but affrighted dove no sooner is set free than it adjusts its silken plumage and wings its flight—so Rosilia, with perturbed bosom, was no sooner disengaged than she drew her flow-
