ficient. We are friends
for life,' said she, taking his hand between both of hers; 'are not we?'

'We are--and therefore sit down, cousin Grace, and let me claim the
privilege of friendship, and speak to you of him who aspires to be more
than your friend for life, Mr.--'

Mr. Salisbury!' said Miss Nugent; 'I saw him yesterday. We had a very
long conversation; I believe he understands my sentiments perfectly, and
that he no longer thinks of being more to me than a friend for life.'

'You have refused him!'

'Yes. I have a high opinion of Mr. Salisbury's understanding, a great
esteem for his character; I like his manners and conversation; but I do
not love him, and therefore, you know, I could not marry him.'

'But, my dear Miss Nugent, with a high opinion, a great esteem, and
liking his manners and conversation, in such a well-regulated mind as
yours, can there be a better foundation for love?'

'It is an excellent foundation,' said she; 'but I never went any
farther than the foundation; and, indeed, I never wished to proceed any
farther.'

Lord Colambre scarcely dared to ask why; but, after some pause, he
said--

'I don't wish to intrude upon your confidence.'

'You cannot intrude upon my confidence; I am ready to give it to
you entirely, frankly; I hesitated only because another person was
concerned. Do you remember, at my aunt's gala, a lady who danced with
Mr. Salisbury?'

'Not in the least.'

'A lady with whom you and Mr. Salisbury were talking, just before
supper, in the Turkish tent.'

'Not in the least.'

'As we went down to supper, you told me you had had a delightful
conversation with her--that you thought her a charming woman.'

'A charming woman!--I have not the slightest recollection of her.'

'And you told me that she and Mr. Salisbury had been praising me A
L'ENVIE L'UNE ET L'AUTRE.'

'Oh, I recollect her now perfectly,' said Lord Colambre; 'But what of
her?'

'She is the woman who, I hope, will be Mrs. Salisbury. Ever since I have
been acquainted with them both, I have seen that they were suited to
each other; and fancy, indeed I am almost sure, that she could love him,
tenderly love him--and, I know, I could not. But my own sentiments, you
may be sure, are all I ever told Mr. Salisbury.'

'But of your own sentiments you may not be sure,' said Lord Colambre;
'and I see no reason why you should give him up from false generosity.'

'Generosity?' interrupted Miss Nugent; 'you totally