the object represented was
really there. This is the reason, perhaps, why I feel less pleasure in
examining those pictures by the ancient masters, though portrayed with
matchless skill, which represent the heathen deities. With Jupiter,
Mars and Venus, I can feel little sympathy, while the truthful and
spirited delineations of Wilkie and Gainsborough, which have beep
familiar from childhood, strike home to the heart."

Before Miss Lee could reply, Theophilus Moncton walked to the table at
which we were talking. He stared at me, without deigning a word of
recognition, and shook hands cordially with Miss Lee and her aunt.

"Happy to see you here, Catherine--was afraid you would be too much
fatigued, after dancing all night, to give us a look in this evening.
Been admiring my prints? Splendid collection, ain't they? By-the-by,
Mr. Geoffrey, I would thank you to be more careful in handling them.
Persons unaccustomed to fine drawings, are apt to injure them by rough
treatment."

A contemptuous glance was my reply, which was returned by a sidelong
withering glare of hate.

"That picture, on the opposite side of the room," continued my
tormentor, anxious to divert Miss Lee's attention from me, "is a fine
portrait, by Sir Thomas Lawrence. You are an admirer of his style; let
us examine the picture nearer; I want to have your opinion of it."

They crossed the room. In a few seconds, a large group gathered before
the picture of which Theophilus and Miss Lee formed the nucleus, and
half a dozen wax-lights were held up to exhibit it to the best
advantage.

Theophilus was eloquent in praising Lawrence's style of painting, and
entertained the company with an elaborate detail of all the celebrated
paintings he had seen abroad; the studios he had visited, and the
distinguished artists he had patronized. He could talk well, when he
pleased, on any subject, and possessed considerable talent and taste
for the arts; yet, I thought him more egotistical and affected than
usual, when standing beside the simple and graceful Catherine Lee.

She listened to him with politeness, until the gratuitous lecture came
to an end, and then quietly resumed her seat at the table by me, with
whom she entered into a lively conversation.

The swarthy glow of indignation mounted to my cousin's wan face. He
drew back, and muttered something inaudibly between his shut teeth,
while I secretly enjoyed his chagrin. When supper was announced I had
the hono