n, and expressing a
wish, which I then really did feel, that I had never been summoned away
from them.

Having finished my letters, I set off to Park Street, to call upon Lady
de Clare and Cecilia. It was rather early, but the footman who opened
the door recognised me, and I was admitted upon his own responsibility.
It was now more than eighteen months since I had quitted their house at
Richmond, and I was very anxious to know what reception I might have. I
followed the servant up stairs, and when he opened the door walked in,
as my name was announced.

Lady de Clare rose in haste; so did Cecilia, and so did a third person,
whom I had not expected to have met--Harcourt. "Mr Newland," exclaimed
Lady de Clare, "this is indeed unexpected." Cecilia also came forward,
blushing to the forehead. Harcourt held back, as if waiting for the
advances to be made on my side. On the whole, I never felt more
awkwardly, and I believe my feelings were reciprocated by the whole
party. I was evidently _de trop_.

"Do you know Mr Harcourt?" at last said Lady de Clare.

"If it is the Mr Harcourt I once knew," replied I, "I certainly do."

"Believe me it is the same, Newland," said Harcourt, turning to me and
offering his hand, which I took with pleasure.

"It is a long while since we met," observed Cecilia, who felt it
necessary to say something, but, at the same time, did not like to enter
upon my affairs before Harcourt.

"It is, Miss de Clare," replied I, for I was not exactly pleased at my
reception; "but I have been fortunate since I had the pleasure of seeing
you last."

Cecilia and her mother looked earnestly, as much as to say, in what?--
but did not like to ask the question.

"There is no one present who is not well acquainted with my history,"
observed I, "that is, until the time that I left you and Lady de Clare,
and I have no wish to create mystery. I have at last discovered my
father."

"I hope we are to congratulate you, Mr Newland," said Lady de Clare.

"As far as respectability and family are concerned, I certainly have no
reason to be ashamed," replied I. "He is the brother of an earl, and a
general in the army. His name I will not mention until I have seen him,
and I am formally and openly acknowledged. I have also the advantage of
being an only son, and if I am not disinherited, heir to considerable
property," continued I, smiling sarcastically. "Perhaps I may now be
better _received_ than I have