ckened at the thought of the
entertainment; but when the immediate danger was over, events fell into
their usual channel, and though she gave no more assistance, either by
word or deed, her aunt counted on her presence on the occasion, and even
her father insisted that it was right for her to go.

"And so, my love," said Mrs Roxbury, "as your father and I see no
impropriety in your coming, there can be none, and you will enjoy it,
indeed you will. You are tired now."

"Impropriety! it is not that I don't wish to go. I cannot bear the
thought of going."

"Nonsense! you are overtired, that is all. And Mr Ruthven will be here
by that time, and I depend on you to bring him."

But if Allan's presence had depended on Lilias, Mrs Roxbury would not
have seen him in her splendid rooms that night. It was Mr Elphinstone
that reminded her of the note that awaited the return of her cousin, and
it was he who insisted that they should appear, for at least an hour or
two, at the party. And they went together, a little constrained and
uncomfortable, while they were alone, but to all appearance at their
ease, and content with one another when they entered the room. Graeme
saw them the moment they came in, and she saw, too, many a significant
glance exchanged, as they made their way together to Mrs Roxbury.

Lilias saw Graeme almost as soon. She was standing near the
folding-doors, seemingly much interested in what Mr Proudfute, her
brother's friend, was saying to her.

"There, aunt," said Lilias, eagerly, when the greetings were over, "did
I not tell you that my friend Miss Elliott would eclipse all here
to-night? Look at her now."

"My dear," said her aunt, "she does better than that. She is very
lovely and lady-like, and tries to eclipse no one, and so wins all
hearts."

Lilias' eyes sparkled as she looked at her cousin, but he did not catch
her look.

"My dear," continued Mrs Roxbury, "I have news for you, but perhaps it
is no news to you. Ah! he has found her."

Mr Elias Green was at the moment, making his bow to Graeme.

"There was no truth in the rumour, about him and little Miss Grove. Mr
Green has more sense. Your friend is fortunate, Lilias."

Lilias looked at her aunt in astonishment, but nothing more could be
said, for there were more arrivals, and her attention was claimed.

"Aunt Roxbury does not know what she is talking about," said she, to her
cousin, as he led her away. "The idea of Mr Green's