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134
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

damask, of a rich Indian red; he used to contend, that pale colours were a mistake in a sombre atmosphere like that of England.

"Very well to subdue the glowing noon of Italy with your cold sea-green, but here we need a little interior crimson, to remind us that there is such a thing as warmth in the world."

Several pictures, all representing human and beautiful life, hung round; and china and toys, that a lady might have envied, were scattered about. The windows looked over the park, and were filled with exotics; while panes of coloured glass threw rainbow gleams of coloured light over the alabaster vases, and one or two exquisite statues. The breakfast table was drawn to the open casement; and, in the large arm-chair beside was Lavinia, dressed fancifully, somewhat over richly for the morning, but looking both picturesque and handsome. Sir George was thrown, at full length, on the sofa; a small table, covered with books, drawn close towards him; among which, the plays, poems, and pamphlets of Maynard were conspicuous.