further, if I must deal candidly with you, I perceive that you have a secret, and have unfortunately (from what cause I know not) imagined that I am in possession of it, which I deny. In regard to what transpired this morning, particular circumstances compel me to be silent on that subject at present, but at no very distant period I doubt not I shall be able to give you a full and satisfactory explanation, I see that I am become an object of suspicion with you, and am sorry for it; in our present relative situations it is impossible that either of us can act as feeling dictates; but, though respect to the countess will oblige me to remain here till to-morrow, be assured, my lord, that at that period, I will not fail to release both myself and you from this troublesome restraint."

"I am indebted to your noble frankness, Sir Richard," replied the earl, "till then we will reserve all further discussion."

"Be it so, my lord.”

The gentlemen now bowed to each other,

VOL 1.:

and retired, as did the rest of the company, to perform the business of the toilette.

"It was wrong" thought Gwynne-Arthur, as he proceeded toward his own apartment, "to suspect him, and foolish to let him see that I did so; yet, if he is not in possession of my secret, how should he guess that I have one? I cannot read him, but if he is what he now appears to be, he would make a more desirable friend than foe." On entering his dressing room he found his two attendants there; Lawrence was arranging an evening suit for his master, and Valentine was seated at a table, writing.

on

"Lawrence," said the earl "you must wait

Sir Richard Gordon this evening, for Maurice, I understand, has broken his arm; Valentine will attend me in the mean time."

Lawrence immediately obeyed his master's orders, and repaired to the baronet's apart

ment.

When Gwynne-Arthar appeared at dinner he did not seem to have missed the aid of his

valet, and some of the company complimented

him on the subject.

"Yes," he replied "I doubt not my French boy will make a good servant in time."

"He is not stupid, at any rate," said the countess, "for I saw him once, and I think I never beheld a more expressive face!"

May I ask where you saw him, mother?" enquired the earl.

"In the garden," replied the countess "I was walking there one morning, and passing a shrubbery at the lower end, I heard a pretty voice singing in a very low tone; it was a French song and I stopped to listen. I thought at first that it was the voice of a girl, for it was so gentle, so soft, and sweet, but whilst I stood there the boy came forward; he looked at me in surprise, then touched his hat gracefully, and hurried by as though he dreaded I should detain him. But my dear Anthony, will you forgive me when I say I really think you spoil him? He appears to be naturally effeminate, and the manner in which you treat him will make him

more so; he is closely confined to your apartments, never mixes with the other servants, nor enjoys the fine air of these healthy mountains." "The boy has known better days than those of servitude," replied the earl, "it would be wounding a blameless pride to herd him with the vassals; and as to the air of these mountains, it is too bleak for a native of Tholouse, for that is his birth-place."

The countess fancied she could read disapprobation on the brow of her son, as he made this short reply, therefore discontinued the subject,

The dancing commenced at an early hour in the evening; Winny Vaughan and the earl opened the ball, and in truth they were a charming pair, for both were handsome, and well-selected dress had improved their natural charms to the utmost advantage. The musical instruments consisted of a harp and violin in each apartment, it was their national music, and they did not wish to spoil its characteristic effect by introducing the aid of foreign instru

ments. The rich dresses, and elegant movements of one circle, contrasted strongly with the appearance of the other, though each had tried to the utmost extent of his ability to make a grand and fitting appearance in the scene of gaiety. Amongst the peasantry several of the young men had come in new green coats, and others in brown, (those being their favorite colours,) whilst here and there a few, eager for an innovation, thought proper to make their debut in new top-boots. The dress of the young women corresponded with that of their beaux; they wore Spanish leather slippers, so tight that they could scarcely move in them, white stockings, light gowns, white handkerchiefs, and mob-caps trimmed with rich lace, (the poorest were not without this luxury;) and then the surprising activity and fire with which these young Adonises bustled through the dance, elbowing their partners, accompanying the music with suitable motions of the head and arms, and beating down the time with their heels; whilst the affectedly-modest movements of the girls, who