ereas Mr. Lawrence was like a new garment, all very neat and trim
to look at, but so tight in the elbows, that you would fear to split the
seams by the unrestricted motion of your arms, and so smooth and fine in
surface that you scruple to expose it to a single drop of rain.

Soon after the arrival of the guests, my mother mentioned Mrs. Graham,
regretted she was not there to meet them, and explained to the Millwards
and Wilsons the reasons she had given for neglecting to return their
calls, hoping they would excuse her, as she was sure she did not mean to
be uncivil, and would be glad to see them at any time.--'But she is a
very singular lady, Mr. Lawrence,' added she; 'we don't know what to make
of her--but I daresay you can tell us something about her, for she is
your tenant, you know,--and she said she knew you a little.'

All eyes were turned to Mr. Lawrence. I thought he looked unnecessarily
confused at being so appealed to.

'I, Mrs. Markham!' said he; 'you are mistaken--I don't--that is--I have
seen her, certainly; but I am the last person you should apply to for
information respecting Mrs. Graham.'

He then immediately turned to Rose, and asked her to favour the company
with a song, or a tune on the piano.

'No,' said she, 'you must ask Miss Wilson: she outshines us all in
singing, and music too.'

Miss Wilson demurred.

'She'll sing readily enough,' said Fergus, 'if you'll undertake to stand
by her, Mr. Lawrence, and turn over the leaves for her.'

'I shall be most happy to do so, Miss Wilson; will you allow me?'

She bridled her long neck and smiled, and suffered him to lead her to the
instrument, where she played and sang, in her very best style, one piece
after another; while he stood patiently by, leaning one hand on the back
of her chair, and turning over the leaves of her book with the other.
Perhaps he was as much charmed with her performance as she was. It was
all very fine in its way; but I cannot say that it moved me very deeply.
There was plenty of skill and execution, but precious little feeling.

But we had not done with Mrs. Graham yet.

'I don't take wine, Mrs. Markham,' said Mr. Millward, upon the
introduction of that beverage; 'I'll take a little of your home-brewed
ale. I always prefer your home-brewed to anything else.'

Flattered at this compliment, my mother rang the bell, and a china jug of
our best ale was presently brought and set before the worthy gentleman
who so well