nt down stairs, and Moseley had gone with them part of the
way, she threw herself unconsciously in a seat, and began a beautiful
song, that was fashionable at the time. Her feelings were in consonance
with the words, and Grace was very happy both in execution and voice.

John had reached the back of her seat before she was at all sensible of
his return, and Grace lost her self-command immediately. She rose and took
a seat on a sofa, and the young man was immediately at her side.

"Ah, Grace," said John, the lady's heart beating high you certainly do
sing as you do everything, admirably."

"I am happy you think so, Mr. Moseley," returned Grace looking everywhere
but in his face.

John's eyes ran over her beauties, as with palpitating bosom and varying
color she sat confused at the unusual warmth of his language and manner.

Fortunately a remarkably striking likeness of the Dowager hung directly
over their heads, and John taking her unresisting hand, continued,

"Dear Grace, you resemble your brother very much in features, and what is
better still, in character."

"I could wish," said Grace, venturing to look up, "to resemble your sister
Emily in the latter."

"And why not to be her sister, dear Grace?" said he with ardor. "You are
worthy to become her sister. Tell me, Grace, dear Miss Chatterton--can
you--will you make me the happiest of men? may I present another
inestimable daughter to my parents?"

As John paused for an answer, Grace looked up, and he waited her reply in
evident anxiety; but she continued silent, now pale as death, and now of
the color of the rose, and he added:

"I hope I have not offended you, dearest Grace; you are all that is
desirable to me; my hopes, my happiness, are centred in you. Unless you
consent to become my wife, I must be very wretched."

Grace burst into a flood of tears, as her lover, interested deeply in
their cause, gently drew her towards him. Her head sank on his shoulder,
as she faintly whispered something that was inaudible, but which he did
not fail to interpret into everything he most wished to hear. John was in
ecstasies. Every unpleasant feeling of suspicion had left him. Of Grace's
innocence of manoeuvring he never doubted, but John did not relish the
idea of being entrapped into anything, even a step which he desired. An
uninterrupted communication followed; it was as confiding as their
affections: and the return of the dowager and her children first recalled
t