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66
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

misplaced. He will allow me to tell him, that whatever my former weakness may have been, not a trace remains of it now!"

"Ethel! my own, my only love!" exclaimed he, in a broken voice, "do not leave me thus; tell me that time may yet soften your too just indignation; give me hope."

"Never!" said she: "nay, Mr. Courtenaye, I insist upon hearing no more: I only marvel at your dreaming I could ever believe you again!"

Even while she spoke, she turned away so rapidly, that she was gone before Norbourne recovered the shock of her last words. He felt that his case was hopeless, and he could not blame her; but the spot was hateful to him; he hurried from the shade, and met his uncle. Lord Norbourne had just seen Miss Churchill alone; and, under the excuse of having missed her own party, join that of Lady Mary Wortley's, just then passing.

"Ah!" said Lady Mary, "I thought that Lady Marchmont was too well amused to take care of you; so, come, and I will help you to