d they were both come from passing the
evening at Mr. Fenton's.

"So, my Lord," said Miss Woodley, as soon as they met in the apartment,
"you did not come to us?"

"No," answered he, "I was sorry; but I hope you did not expect me."

"Not expect you, my Lord?" cried Miss Milner; "Did not you say that you
would come?"

"If I had, I certainly should have come," returned he, "but I only said
so conditionally."

"That I am a witness to," cried Sandford, "for I was present at the
time, and he said it should depend upon Miss Fenton."

"And she, with her gloomy disposition," said Miss Milner, "chose to sit
at home."

"Gloomy disposition!" repeated Sandford: "She has a great share of
sprightliness--and I think I never saw her in better spirits than she was
this evening, my Lord."

Lord Elmwood did not speak.

"Bless me, Mr. Sandford," cried Miss Milner, "I meant no reflection
upon Miss Fenton's disposition; I only meant to censure her taste for
staying at home."

"I think," replied Mr. Sandford, "a much heavier censure should be
passed upon those who prefer rambling abroad."

"But I hope, ladies, my not coming," said Lord Elmwood, "was no
inconvenience to you; for you had still, I see, a gentleman with you."

"Oh! yes, two gentlemen:" answered the son of Lady Evans, a lad from
school, whom Miss Milner had taken along with her.

"What two?" asked Lord Elmwood.

Neither Miss Milner nor Miss Woodley answered.

"You know, Madam," said young Evans, "that handsome gentleman who handed
you into your carriage, and you called my Lord."

"Oh! he means Lord Frederick Lawnly:" said Miss Milner carelessly, but a
blush of shame spread over her face.

"And did he hand you into your coach?" asked Lord Elmwood earnestly.

"By mere accident, my Lord," Miss Woodley replied, "for the crowd was so
great----"

"I think, my Lord," said Sandford, "it was very lucky that you were
_not_ there."

"Had Lord Elmwood been with us, we should not have had occasion for the
assistance of any other," said Miss Milner.

"Lord Elmwood has been with you, Madam," returned Sandford, "very
frequently, and yet--"

"Mr. Sandford," said Lord Elmwood, interrupting him, "it is near
bed-time, your conversation keeps the ladies from retiring."

"Your Lordship's does not," said Miss Milner, "for you say nothing."

"Because, Madam, I am afraid to offend."

"But do not you also hope to please? and without risking the one, it is
impossible to arr