CHAPTER VIII. "I marked thy sadly wondering look, When in a passion fit I spoke Harsh words into thine ears." FABER. "The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils; The motions of his spirit are dull as night, And his affections dark as Erebus ; MERCHANT OF VENICE. ADA had previously descended to the drawing room, with her aunts, where the company, for the most part, were assembled. Lord Mervyn had soon contrived to lead her into the adjoining conservatory, on pretence of presenting her with a flower, and then had at tempted a surprise, by inducing her, under some invented pretence, to ascend to the apartment of the Angelos, but in the end had been obliged to reveal the real fact. And then it had required little persuasion to send her flying, without reflection, in delighted excitement, to meet her sister. But now, as she descended on her brotherin-law's arm, misgivings did begin to arise as to what her aunts would say-and her mother -what indeed!-when she heard the story? And when they reached the door, she disengaged herself from the Opera Singer's arm, and followed timidly behind. As for Aline, it was but natural that her heart should beat with some nervous trepidation on entering so formidable a circle of fashionable strangers, under her peculiar cir cumstances. But Lord Mervyn was in readiness to receive her as they entered, and to present her to the Countess, who also came forward to meet her new visiters, with her usual amiability of manner; if not with the same perfect composure and assurance, which the long practice of the role of hostess had given her. She had never-notwithstanding her son's great intimacy with the Seyton family-seen much of Aline as a girl; her ladyship seldom quitting home, and Aline when in the schoolroom, of course seldom visiting with Lady Adelaide-so that scarcely could Lady Mervyn have guessed the intentions of her son in that quarter, had not occasional hints from her daughter given her to understand that something of the kind was going forward-a conjecture confirmed by the rage and passionate grief into which the elopement of his early playmate, with the Italian singer, on its first discovery, had thrown Lord Mervyn. At all events, the personal intimacy existing between Lady Mervyn and Aline, was not of that nature to render their meeting sufficiently unceremonious to put her much at her ease; and her anomalous position puzzled and perplexed the nervous Countess, disturbing her equanimity, making her feel Madame Angelo a visiter out of the common course, who set her mind at work with regard to the manner of her entertainment. As for Angelo himself, she could not, with all her politeness, see him in any other light than the singer, through whose rich strains she had dozed twice a week at the Opera, that season; therefore merely noticed him with the gracious condescension she was accustomed to bestow on those of that craft, with whom she had ever held any intercourse. She attempted to do her best by Aline, inhesitatingly mentioning her name, by way of introduction to some of the lady guests, who each in their turn slightly and coldly bent their heads. There were some amongst the guests, whom Aline had seen, or been slightly acquainted with formerly; but none, whom she had known intimately, except the Lady March monts. They-as her eyes met theirs - turned upon her with no very complacent surprise, looking much discomposed, and rather at a loss how to act, in this unexpected emergency. Aline on her part, crimsoned, as she glanced towards them, in expectation of their notice, which was at length bestowed in the shape of a frigid bow and a movement, as if to rise, which however they did not do, upon seeing which, Lord Mervyn, from where he stood, called out in a tone of voice not difficult to be understood— ́ "Lady Emily Marchmont, we need not introduce relations-I mean Madame Angelowhom you see I have induced to give us the pleasure of her company." Dinner was then announced, and Lord Mervyn, after glancing at Aline, as if he felt very much inclined to waive all etiquette, and take possession of the Opera Singer's fair wife, hurriedly gave his arm to the proper person, who happened to be Lady Sarah Marchmont, and proceeded, contenting himself with casting a |