. At last I
said,--'How do you regard me?'

'Sweet angel, I adore you! I--'

'Helen, I want you a moment,' said the distinct, low voice of my aunt,
close beside us. And I left him, muttering maledictions against his evil
angel.

'Well, aunt, what is it? What do you want?' said I, following her to the
embrasure of the window.

'I want you to join the company, when you are fit to be seen,' returned
she, severely regarding me; 'but please to stay here a little, till that
shocking colour is somewhat abated, and your eyes have recovered
something of their natural expression. I should be ashamed for anyone to
see you in your present state.'

Of course, such a remark had no effect in reducing the 'shocking colour';
on the contrary, I felt my face glow with redoubled fires kindled by a
complication of emotions, of which indignant, swelling anger was the
chief. I offered no reply, however, but pushed aside the curtain and
looked into the night--or rather into the lamp-lit square.

'Was Mr. Huntingdon proposing to you, Helen?' inquired my too watchful
relative.

'No.'

'What was he saying then? I heard something very like it.'

'I don't know what he would have said, if you hadn't interrupted him.'

'And would you have accepted him, Helen, if he had proposed?'

'Of course not--without consulting uncle and you.'

'Oh! I'm glad, my dear, you have so much prudence left. Well, now,' she
added, after a moment's pause, 'you have made yourself conspicuous enough
for one evening. The ladies are directing inquiring glances towards us
at this moment, I see: I shall join them. Do you come too, when you are
sufficiently composed to appear as usual.'

'I am so now.'

'Speak gently then, and don't look so malicious,' said my calm, but
provoking aunt. 'We shall return home shortly, and then,' she added with
solemn significance, 'I have much to say to you.'

So I went home prepared for a formidable lecture. Little was said by
either party in the carriage during our short transit homewards; but when
I had entered my room and thrown myself into an easy-chair, to reflect on
the events of the day, my aunt followed me thither, and having dismissed
Rachel, who was carefully stowing away my ornaments, closed the door; and
placing a chair beside me, or rather at right angles with mine, sat down.
With due deference I offered her my more commodious seat. She declined
it, and thus opened the conference: 'Do you remember, Hel