antling cheek had
faded like the fading eve; and yet it might be thought, it might be
suffering, perhaps, the anticipation of approaching death, and as it
were the imaginary contact with a serener existence, but certainly there
was a more spiritual expression diffused over the whole appearance of
Henrietta Temple, and which by many might be preferred even to that more
lively and glowing beauty which, in her happier hours, made her the very
queen of flowers and sunshine.

'It is strange, dear papa,' she continued, 'that my first visit should
be to a cemetery.'

At this moment their attention was attracted by the sound of the distant
gates of the cemetery opening, and several persons soon entered. This
party consisted of some of the authorities of the city and some porters,
bearing on a slab of verd antique a magnificent cinerary vase, that was
about to be placed in the Campo. In reply to his enquiries, Mr. Temple
learned that the vase had been recently excavated in Catania, and that
it had been purchased and presented to the Campo by the Marquis of
Montfort. Henrietta would have hurried her father away, but with all her
haste they had not reached the gates before Lord Montfort appeared.

Mr. Temple found it impossible, although Henrietta pressed his arm in
token of disapprobation, not to present Lord Montfort to his daughter.
He then admired his lordship's urn, and then his lordship requested that
he might have the pleasure of showing it to them himself. They turned;
Lord Montfort explained to them its rarity, and pointed out to them
its beauty. His voice was soft and low, his manner simple but rather
reserved. While he paid that deference to Henrietta which her sex
demanded, he addressed himself chiefly to her father. She was not half
so much annoyed as she had imagined; she agreed with her father that
he was a very quiet man; she was even a little interested by his
conversation, which was refined and elegant; and she was pleased that
he did not seem to require her to play any part in the discourse, but
appeared quite content in being her father's friend. Lord Montfort
seemed to be attached to her father, and to appreciate him. And this was
always a recommendation to Henrietta Temple.

The cinerary urn led to a little controversy between Mr. Temple and his
friend; and Lord Montfort wished that Mr. Temple would some day call on
him at his house in the Lung' Arno, and he would show him some specimens
which he thought