of the same vintage, of even
the same cask, do we find one bottle whose bouquet is more aromatic,
whose flavour is richer, whose colour is more purely brilliant!
There seems to be no reason why this should be so, nor is the secret
appreciable to our senses; however, the fact is incontestable. So among
women. You meet some half-dozen in an evening party, equally beautiful,
equally lovely; yet will there be found one among the number towards
whom, without any assignable cause, more eyes are turned, and more looks
bent; around whose chair more men are found to linger, and in whose
slightest word some cunning charm seems ever mingled. Why is this so?
I confess I cannot tell you; but trust me for the fact. If, however, it
will satisfy you that I adduce an illustration--Louisa Bellew was one of
these. With all the advantages of a cultivated mind, she possessed that
fearlessness that only girls really innocent of worldly trickery and
deceit ever have; and thus, while her conversation ranged far beyond the
limits the cold ordeal of fashion would prescribe to a London beauty,
the artless enthusiasm of her manner was absolutely captivating.

In Dublin the most marked feature about her was an air of lofty pride
and hauteur, by which, in the mixed society of Rooney's house, was she
alone enabled to repel the obtrusive and impertinent attentions it was
the habit of the place to practise. Surrounded by those who resorted
there for a lounge, it was a matter of no common difficulty for her, a
young and timid girl, to assert her own position, and exact the respect
that was her due. Here, however, in her uncle's house, it was quite
different. Relieved from all performance of a part, she was natural,
graceful, and easy; and her spirits, untrammelled by the dread of
misconstruction, took their own free and happy flight without fear and
without reproach.

When we returned to the drawing-room, seated beside her, I entered into
an explanation of all my proceedings since my arrival in the country,
and had the satisfaction to perceive that not only did she approve of
everything I had done, but, assuming a warmer interest than I could
credit in my fortunes, she counselled me respecting the future.
Supposing that my success might induce me to further trials of my
horseman ship, she cautioned me about being drawn into any matches or
wagers.

'My cousin Ulick,' said she, 'is one of those who rarely let a prey
escape them. I speak frankly to you,