tranger, quite out
at elbows.

I saw many cold looks directed at myself; and when Annie took my arm to go
into supper, the gloom in the faces of some gentlemen who had been
refused, made me smile. When the party was over, Annie gave me her hand at
the foot of the staircase. I saw a triumphant light in her mischievous
eyes, as she glanced at the departing gallants; her rosy cheeks dimpled,
and she flitted up, humming a gay tune.

It is singular how beautiful she is when she laughs--as when she sighs. Am
I falling in love with her? I shall be guilty of no such folly. I think
that my pride and self-respect will keep me rational. Pshaw! why did I
dream of such nonsense!

V.

So--a month has passed.

My coat, it seems, is to be the constant topic of attention.

A day or two since, I was sitting in my chamber, reflecting upon a
variety of things. My thoughts, at last, centred on the deficiencies of my
wardrobe, and I muttered, "I must certainly have my coat mended soon;" and
I looked down, sighing, at the hole in my elbow.... It had disappeared!
There was no longer any rent. The torn cloth had been mended in the
neatest manner; so neatly, indeed, that the orifice was almost invisible.
Who could have done it, and how? I have one coat only, and--yes! it must
have been! I saw, in a moment, the whole secret: that noise, and the voice
of Sarah, the old chambermaid.

I rose and went out on the staircase; I met the good crone.

"How did you find my coat in the dark?" I said, smiling; "and now you must
let me make you a present for mending it, Sarah."

Sarah hesitated, plainly; but honesty conquered. She refused the money,
which, nevertheless, I gave her; and, from her careless replies, I soon
discovered the real truth.

The coat had been mended by Annie!

I descended to the drawing-room, and finding her alone, thanked her with
simplicity and sincerity. She blushed and pouted.

"Who told you?" she asked.

"No one; but I discovered it from Sarah; she was unguarded."

"Well, sir," said Annie, blushing still, but laughing, "there is no reason
for your being so grateful, I thought I would mend it, as I formerly
laughed at it--and I hope it is neatly done."

"It is scarcely visible," I said, with a smile and a bow; "I shall keep
this coat always to remind me of your delicate kindness."

"Pshaw! 'twas nothing."

And running to the piano, the young girl commenced a merry song, which
rang through the old hall like t