ed a searching glance to the dress of his
friends. There all appeared meet for his strictest scrutiny, save,
indeed, that the supercilious-looking stranger having just drawn forth
his gloves, the lining of his coat-pocket which was rather soiled
into the bargain--had not returned to its internal station; the tall
stranger, seeing this little inelegance, kindly thrust three fingers
with a sudden and light dive into his friend's pocket, and effectually
repulsed the forwardness of the intrusive lining. The supercilious
stranger no sooner felt the touch than he started back, and whispered to
his officious companion,--

"What! among friends, Ned! Fie now; curb the nature of thee for one
night at least."

Before he of the flowing locks had time to answer, the master of the
ceremonies, who had for the last three minutes been eying the strangers
through his glass, stepped forward with a sliding bow; and the handsome
gentleman, taking upon himself the superiority and precedence over his
comrades, was the first to return the courtesy. He did this with so good
a grace and so pleasing an expression of countenance that the censor of
bows was charmed at once, and with a second and more profound salutation
announced himself and his office. "You would like to dance probably,
gentlemen?" he asked, glancing at each, but directing his words to the
one who had prepossessed him.

"You are very good," said the comely stranger; "and, for my part, I
shall be extremely indebted to you for the exercise of your powers in
my behalf. Allow me to return with you to the ball-room, and I can there
point out to you the objects of my especial admiration."

The master of the ceremonies bowed as before, and he and his new
acquaintance strolled into the ball-room, followed by the two comrades
of the latter.

"Have you been long in Bath, sir?" inquired the monarch of the rooms.

"No, indeed! we only arrived this evening."

"From London?"

"No; we made a little tour across the country."

"Ah! very pleasant, this fine weather."

"Yes; especially in the evenings."

"Oho! romantic!" thought the man of balls, as he rejoined aloud, "Why,
the nights are agreeable, and the moon is particularly favourable to
us."

"Not always!" quoth the stranger.

"True, true, the night before last was dark; but, in general, surely the
moon has been very bright."

The stranger was about to answer, but checked himself, and simply bowed
his head as in assent.

"I