aluable; we know so little in England--"

"Nay, let me stop you; they are written in French. My hope is to procure
their insertion in some French journal, as is the custom now-a-days.
Here they are," said she, handing him a packet with a trembling hand. "I
have but to say, that if they be all I fear them, you will be too true a
friend to peril me by a rejection." And without waiting for a reply, she
hurried back to the house.

Many minutes had not elapsed ere Linton found himself in his room,
with the open manuscript before him. It was quite true, he had not in
anticipation conceived a very high idea of Miss Leicester's efforts,
because his habit, like that of a great number of shrewd people, was to
regard all amateur performances as very inferior, and that only they who
give themselves wholly up to any pursuit attain even mediocrity. He had
not, however, read many pages ere he was struck by the evidence of
high ability. The style was everywhere simple, chaste, and elegant; the
illustrations natural and graceful; and the dialogue, when, occurring,
marked by all the epigrammatic smartness which characterized the era.

The sketches also had the merit of life-pictures,--real characters
of the day, being drawn with a vigor that only actual knowledge could
impart. All these excellences Linton could perceive and estimate; but
there were many very far above his power of appreciation. As it was, he
read on, fascinated by the interest the scenes inspired, nor ceased till
the last page was completed, when, throwing himself on his bed, he fell
soon asleep, and dreamed of Mary Leicester.

His very first care, on waking, was to resume the manuscript, and see
how far the impression first made might be corroborated by afterthought.
It was while reading, that the post had just arrived, bringing,
among other letters, one in Phillis's hand, which was, though brief,
significant:--

Sir,--There is no time to be lost. The K.'s are here every
day, and Lord C------ spends every morning here till three
or four O'C.

Mr. Meek has written to ask for Mr. C.'s interest in the
borough; what answer given, not known. Mr. C. would seem to
be again pressed for money. He was here twice yesterday. The
rumor is that Mr. C. will marry Miss O. K. immediately.
Pearse overheard Mr. K. warning Mr. C. against Mr. Linton as
a very dangerous intimate. Ld. C. F. said, when sitting here
yesterday, "I have k