isited in company with
the Russian officers." And now the door opened, and, without any
announcement, Mr. Amory and William Sullivan entered.

Had either made his appearance singly, he would have been looked upon
with astonishment by the majority of the company; but coming together,
and with an apparently good understanding existing between them, there
was no countenance present which expressed any emotion but that of
surprise.

Mr. and Mrs. Graham, however, were too much accustomed to society to
betray any further evidence of that sentiment than was contained in a
momentary glance, and, rising, received their visitors with due
politeness and propriety. The former nodded carelessly to Mr. Amory,
whom he had seen in the morning, presented him to Mr. Clinton (without,
however, mentioning the existing connection with himself), and was
preparing to go through the same ceremony to Mrs. Graham, but was saved
the trouble as she had not forgotten the acquaintance formed at
Baden-Baden.

Willie's knowledge of the company also spared the necessity of
introduction to all but Emily; and that being accidentally omitted, he
gave an arch glance at Gertrude, and, taking an offered seat near
Isabel, entered into conversation with her, Mr. Amory being in like
manner engrossed by Mrs. Graham.

"Miss Gertrude," whispered Fanny, as soon as the interrupted composure
of the party was once more restored, and glancing at Willie as she
spoke, "that's the gentleman you were out driving with this afternoon. I
know it is," continued she, as she observed Gertrude change colour and
endeavour to hush her, while she looked anxiously round as if the remark
had been overheard; "is it Willie, Gertrude? is it Mr. Sullivan?"

Gertrude became more and more embarrassed, while the mischievous Fanny
continued to ply her with such questions; and Isabel, who had jealously
noticed that Willie's eyes wandered more than once to the table, turned
on her such a scrutinizing look as rendered her confusion distressing.

Accident came to her relief, however. The housemaid, with the evening
paper, endeavoured to open the door, against which her chair was placed,
thus giving her an opportunity to rise, receive the paper, and at the
same time an unimportant message. While she was thus engaged, Mr.
Clinton left his chair with the feeble step of an invalid, crossed the
room, addressed a question in a low voice to Willie, and receiving an
affirmatory reply, took Isabel