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CHAPTER XIV.
"It speaks of former scenes—of days gone by—
Of early friendships—of the loved and lost;
And wakes such music in the heart, as sigh
Of evening woos from harp-strings gently crost."
Malcolm.
It was late in the evening before Lucy came home, in the gayest possible spirits; she had been equally amused and admired, and now returned in a little flutter of pleasure and vanity. She had a great deal to say, but very little to tell; and repeated over and over again, that Lord Avonleigh had spoken something so kind about her to her father, though she could not remember the exact words; and that Lord Stukeley had danced with her; moreover, that it was very hot in the middle of the day; and that when they went into the hall to supper, there was a peacock, from whose mouth ascended a little flame; but beyond these important facts, no information could be elicited from her.
It is curious to note how few people ever con-
