f her
horses; in short, all had some particular claim to the distinction, which
was urged with a warmth and pertinacity proportionate to the value of the
prize to be obtained. Marian heard the several claimants with an ease and
indifference natural to her situation, and ended the dispute by saying--

"Gentlemen, as I have made so many promises from the dread of giving
offence, I must throw myself on the mercy of Mr. Denbigh, who alone, with
the best claims, does not urge them; to you then," continued she,
approaching him with the whip which was to be given the victor, "I adjudge
the prize, if you will condescend to accept it."

This was uttered with one of her most attractive smiles, and Francis
received the whip with an emotion that he with difficulty could control.

The gentlemen were glad to have the contest decided by adjudging the prize
to one so little dangerous, and the ladies sneered at her choice as they
left the house.

There was something so soothing in the manners of Lady Pendennyss, she
listened to the little he said with such a respectful attention, was so
anxious to have him give his opinions, that the unction of flattery, thus
sweetly applied, and for the first time, could not fail of its wonted
effects.

The communications thus commenced were continued. It was so easy to be
attentive, by being simply polite to one unused to notice of any kind,
that Marian found the fate of the young man in her hands almost as soon
as she attempted to control it.

A new existence opened upon Francis, as day after day she insensibly led
him to a display of powers he was unconscious until now of possessing
himself. His self-respect began to increase, his limited pleasures to
multiply, and he could now look around him with a sense of participation
in the delights of life, as he perceived himself of consequence to this
much admired woman.

Trifling incidents, managed on her part with consummate art, had led him
to the daring inference that he was not entirely indifferent to her; and
Francis returned the incipient affection of his mistress with a feeling
but little removed from adoration. Week flew by after week, and still he
lingered at the residence of his kinsman, unable to tear himself from the
society of one so worshipped, and yet afraid to take a step by making a
distinct declaration which might involve him in disgrace or ridicule.

The condescension of the countess increased, and she had indirectly given
him t