returned from his excursion into the

country.

"Oh Isabella, is it you?" said Mr. Willoughby; "how do you do? you look pale," and with these words he passed her, and went into his own

room.

Isabella also went into hers, and there she wept plentifully.

Ah! thought she, Harriet little knows that matrimony is no safeguard from vexation. I could find my indemnifications, but I have no heart but for Mr. Willoughby. I will advise Harriet never to marry the man whom she is likely to love but is not this the breaking ice of which Lady Rachel spoke? did she not say, that in the wish not to love my husband, there was profanation? that but for this love I should have been a cast-away? how cruel did I think the words when she uttered them! and yet, perhaps, they

are alarmingly true! resentment does at times stir up such thoughts! - and with such thoughts can I really mean no harm? can I be sure that I would not do any? could prudence, could pride, shut my heart against the soothings of sympathy, or the desire of revenge? - revenge! what a horrible word!-Oh, holy love! defend me from the wanderings of all my baser passions! I will clasp thee to my bosom as my shield, and, so guarded, surely I can have no danger to fear.”

The morning had been one of mortification and sorrow, and Isabella's countenance retained the traces of the workings of her mind. Of this she was conscious as she cast the last glance on the looking-glass before she stept into her carriage.

With these witch-like looks, thought she, I had better stay at home. Were I under mamina's command she would

not let me stir out.-But I can think no more, my head aches,-my heart is heavy; I must try what society will do for me; and I ought not to care how I look in any eyes but those of Mr. Willoughby; and if he see my pale cheeks a second time he may think that that I am ill, and perhaps he may be sorry.

It was not, however, her fate this evening to meet Mr. Willoughby; but she did meet Sir Charles Seymour, and he approached her with so much respect and concern in his countenance, as made her ready to ask, "what is the matter?" — she had, however, no occasion for the inquiry.

My dear Mrs. Willoughby," said Sir Charles," how happy I am to see you! I scarcely thought that I could have had the pleasure to night; but you are ill! had you not better have

staid at home? although I admire you more than ever for the effort you are making."

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Really," said Isabella, "it is no great effort to come out with the headache, which is the whole matter. I thought a little dissipation would do me good."

"Were it only the headache?" said Sir Charles, "but how amiable is all this! Well!-I find your truant is come home. Does he tell you how gay they have been at Danesfield ?”

"I have scarcely seen Mr. Willoughby, "returned Isabella; "but they could not be otherwise than gay. The very purpose of the meeting was festivity."

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Lady Charlotte Dunstan says, returned Sir Charles, "that she really never spent so delightful a week; the party was so complete! all were there who would have been welcome;

all absent who would have lessened the enjoyment. Those were her very words."

"Was Mr. Dunstan there?" said Isabella.

"What a malicious question," replied Sir Charles, "and something superfluous too; for you must know that he was excluded alike by those who would not have been welcome,' and those who would have lessened the enjoyment'."

Isabella was resolved to be prudent; she only replied,

"Can you tell me who were there?"

"Oh yes! I know the set, but I think there are not any that would interest you. I wish you would draw Willoughby from it; take my word, it will do him no good."

Isabella was determined that she would not say that she had no influence over Mr. Willoughby; yet she