y, she bent her
attention closely upon it, thus veiling the tell-tale orbs, with their
long dark lashes.

She looked up a moment, as he entered, to give him a nod of
recognition. A flash of lightning will reveal at once the whole
paraphernalia of a room, even to its remotest corners; or disclose the
scenery of an entire landscape, in its minutest details, each
previously wrapt by the darkness in perfect mystery; so, one single
glance of the eye may unveil and discover a profound secret, that has
hitherto never been indicated, by either word or motion. By that quick
glance, Adele saw Mr. Lansdowne's face, very pale with the struggle he
had just gone through, and a strange light glowing from his eyes, that
caused her to withdraw her own immediately.

Her heart beat rapidly,--she was conscious that a tide of crimson was
creeping up to her cheek, and felt herself tremulous in every limb, as
Mr. Lansdowne approached and drew a seat near her. But pride came to
her aid. One strong effort of the will, and the young creature, novice
as she was in the arts of society, succeeded in partially covering the
flutter and agitation of spirit caused by the sudden discovery of her
lover's secret.

"When do you expect your father's return, Miss Adele?" inquired Mr.
Lansdowne.

"In a day or two", was the reply.

"Do you know that my uncle and I will be obliged to leave our
newly-found friends here, soon after your father gets home?"

"I know", replied Adele, with apparent calmness, "that Mr. Somers's
health has greatly improved and I supposed you would probably go away
soon".

"Pardon me, Miss Adele", said John, in a voice that betrayed his
emotion, "but shall you miss us at all? Shall you regret our absence?"

Again Adele's heart bounded quickly. She felt irritated and ashamed of
its tumult.

By another strong effort, she answered simply, "Certainly, Mr.
Lansdowne, we shall all miss you. You have greatly enlivened our
narrow family circle. We shall be very sorry to lose you".

How indifferent she is, thought John. She does not dream of my love.

"Miss Adele", he exclaimed passionately, "it will be the greatest
calamity of my life to leave you".

For a moment, the young girl was silent. His voice both thrilled and
fascinated her. Partly proud, partly shy, like the bird who shuns the
snare set for it, only fluttering its wings over the spot for an
instant, and then flying to a greater distance, Adele bestirred her
powers and