her late uncle. The features of this she studied
with considerable attention, and could not help observing that, although
they resembled collectively those of her father, the deformity of the
one eye only excepted, yet the general result was strikingly different.
All that was harsh, and coarse, and repulsive in the countenance of
her father, was here softened down into an expression of gentleness,
firmness, and singular candor, whilst, at the same time, the family
likeness could not for a moment be questioned or mistaken.

Whilst thus occupied, a foot was heard, as if entering the drawing-room,
and naturally turning round, she beheld the stranger before her. The
surprise of each was mutual, for the meeting was perfectly unexpected by
either. A deep blush overspread Lucy's exquisite features, which
almost in a moment gave way to a paleness that added a new and equally
delightful phase to her beauty.

"Good heavens, my dear Lucy," exclaimed the stranger, "do I find you
here! I had heard that the families were estranged; but on that very
account I feel the more deeply delighted at your presence under Lady
Gourlay's roof. This happiness comes to me with a double sense of
enjoyment, from the fact of its being unexpected."

The alternations of red and white still continued as Lucy replied, her
sparkling eye chastened down by the veil of modesty as she spoke: "I am
under Lady Gourlay's roof for the first time in my life. Indeed, I have
come here to make an experiment, if I may use the expression, upon the
goodness of her heart. The amiable lady with whom I now reside suggested
to me to do so, a suggestion which I embraced with delight. I have been
here only a few minutes, and await her ladyship's return, which they
tell me may be expected immediately."

"It would indeed be unfortunate," replied the stranger, "that two
individuals so nearly connected by family, and what is more, the
possession of similar virtues, should not be known to each other."

This compliment brought a deeper tinge of color to Lucy's cheek,
who simply replied, "I have often wished most sincerely for
the pleasure--the honor, I should say--of her acquaintance; but
unfortunately the ill-feeling that has subsisted between the families,
or rather between a portion of them, has hitherto prevented it. If I
were now under my father's roof a visit here were out of the question;
but you know, Charles, I cannot, and I ought not, to inherit his
resentments."