been as Japhet Newland the Foundling: but,
Lady de Clare, I am afraid that I have intruded unseasonably, and will
now take my leave. Good morning;" and without waiting for a reply, I
made a hasty retreat, and gained the door.

Flushed with indignation, I had nearly gained the bottom of the stairs,
when I heard a light footstep behind me, and my arm was caught by
Cecilia de Clare. I turned round, and she looked me reproachfully in
the face, as the tear stood in her eye. "What have we done, Japhet,
that you should treat us in this manner?" said she with emotion.

"Miss de Clare," replied I, "I have no reproaches to make. I perceived
that my presence was not welcome, and I would no further intrude."

"Are you then so proud, now that you have found out that you are well
born, Japhet?"

"I am much too proud to intrude where I am not wished for, Miss de
Clare. As Japhet Newland, I came here to see the Fleta of former days.
When I assume my real name, I shall always be most happy of an
introduction to the daughter of Lady de Clare."

"Oh! how changed," exclaimed she, fixing her large blue eyes upon me.

"Prosperity changes us all, Miss de Clare. I wish you a very good
morning;" and I turned away, and crossed the hall to the door.

As I went out I could not help looking back, and I perceived that
Cecilia's handkerchief was held to her eyes, as she slowly mounted the
stairs. I walked home to the Piazza in no very pleasant humour. I was
angry and disgusted at the coolness of my reception. I thought myself
ill used, and treated with ingratitude. "So much for the world," said
I, as I sat down in my apartment, and spun my hat on the table. "She
has been out two seasons, and is no longer the same person. Yet how
lovely she has grown! But why this change--and why was Harcourt there?
Could he have prejudiced them against me? Very possibly." While these
ideas were running in my mind, and I was making comparisons between
Cecilia de Clare and Susannah Temple--not much in favour of the former--
and looking forward prospectively to the meeting with my father, the
doubts as to my reception in society colouring everything with the most
sombre tints, the door opened, and in walked Harcourt, announced by the
waiter.

"A chair for Mr Harcourt," said I to the waiter, with formality.

"Newland," said Harcourt, "I come for two reasons: in the first place I
am commissioned by the ladies to assure you--"

"I beg your pardon,