ing, he left his card in Grosvenor-street: The act was in itself that of friendship; no sinister motive lurked in his mind. He had no idea that his fair friend was able to receive visitors; he took the fact literally as it was penned. Great, therefore, was his surprise upon his return home, when he learned that Mr. Marnley had called; and having assured himself that Mr. Wentworth had ordered dinner, and would be a solitaire, had written a note, requesting him to bestow his charity, and take his meal in Grosvenor-street.

It was impossible to refuse, without giving some good reason; and perhaps (for vanity, though not equally distributed, is certainly an inhabitant of almost every breast,) he wished to discover if lord John had drawn his conclusions upon any actual foundation at all events, it could do no harm; nay, his humility dictated that nothing but arrogant conceit could justify an implicit belief that he was of so much consequence to a woman who might command

-

the

the attentions of half a thousand men whom he could name.

Thus it was the humility, and not the love, of Wentworth which led him to the drawing-room of Mr. Marnley. It was thus he reasoned; the result proves that we are very supine judges of ourselves-that we are lenient where we should be scrupulous ; and that, in order to qualify our imperfect nature, we distinguish our foibles by terms which should only be applied to the better efforts of our reason.

The fashionable invalid was not only vi sible, but attired with a studied though: simple elegance, which added greatly to her beauty. She affected to be deeply offended at the estrangement of Mr. Wentworth; and with a look of calm dignity, declared that she would have persuaded Marnley not to seek him any more.

Sidney felt his cheek glow-it was not from humility, but disappointed vanity.-Should he make his peace, or believe her sincere? He chose the former; for at this

moment,

moment, such is the contrariety of mere human nature, Sidney would rather have been reassured, than convinced that he was

If such were his hopes, he was not disappointed. The lady relented, and received him into favour; he was not to relapse, or she would wholly discard him; and in making these terms, she threw so much softness into her manner, and

appeared so interested in the arrangement, that our hero forgot lord John and his advice, and thought only of how he should appear sufficiently grateful for a condescension he so little deserved.

The entrance of Mr. Marnley called the attention of Sidney from this seductive woman; and it was perhaps at this instant he first became acquainted with that most forcible and imperious voice-the voice of conscience. As he gave his hand to the unsuspecting Marnley, a feeling not unlike to suffocation nearly suspended his utter

ance.

We

We may allow that this emotion, on an occasion like the present, is not a peculiar feature in the character of a modern Englishman, "who can "smile, and smile, and be a villain;" yet the attribute would not diminish the beauty of the human portrait, but might, if graciously improved, hand the sketch down to posterity, with a fastness of colouring which mocks the depredations of time.

That watchfulness which can alone secure. us against the approaches of error, was, in a manner, torn from the half-consenting bosom of Sidney; for ere the trio had quitted the dinner-table, a note was presented to Mrs. Marnley.

66

"What a cruel tempter!" said the fair dissembler. Only hear, Marnley ;" and she read as follows.

"Lady Linburne offers her sincere condolence in the indisposition of her

dear

dear Clara. Would have made her inquiries in person, had she heard of it sooner; but, unfortunately, did not see the Post until she had commenced her toilet. If her dear friend has not lent her box for the Opera this evening, would esteem herself favoured by her permission to use it. She fears to offer in return her private box at Covent Garden, which might lead the dear invalid to tempt a little danger, where she would be so sure to meet a sentimental feast. The play is 'The Conscious Lovers.? "Tuesday evening."

"How shall I act?" asked the docile Clara.

"Lend your box, by all means," said Mr. Marnley; "but I would not advise your exposing yourself to the night air."

"Ah! I see how it is," replied the lady, with a half smile. "You are getting so fond