inted with the magic of music; and while he hated a formal concert,
the most eminent performers were often at hand in his palace, to
contribute at the fitting moment to the delight of his guests. Who could
withstand the soft influence of a life so elegant and serene, or
refuse to yield up the spirit to its gentle excitement and its mild
distraction? The colour returned to Henrietta's cheek and the lustre
to her languid eye: her form regained its airy spring of health; the
sunshine of her smile burst forth once more.

It would have been impossible for an indifferent person not to perceive
that Lord Montfort witnessed these changes with feelings of no slight
emotion. Perhaps he prided himself upon his skill as a physician, but
he certainly watched the apparent convalescence of his friend's daughter
with zealous interest. And yet Henrietta herself was not aware that Lord
Montfort's demeanour to her differed in any degree from what it was at
Pisa. She had never been alone with him in her life; she certainly spoke
more to him than she used, but then, she spoke more to everybody; and
Lord Montfort certainly seemed to think of nothing but her pleasure and
convenience and comfort; but he did and said everything so quietly, that
all this kindness and solicitude appeared to be the habitual impulse of
his generous nature. He certainly was more intimate, much more intimate,
than during the first week of their acquaintance, but scarcely more
kind; for she remembered he had arranged her sofa the very first day
they met, though he did not even remain to receive her thanks.

One day a discussion rose about Italian society between Mr. Temple and
his host. His lordship was a great admirer of the domestic character and
private life of the Italians. He maintained that there was no existing
people who more completely fulfilled the social duties than this
much scandalised nation, respecting whom so many silly prejudices
are entertained by the English, whose travelling fellow-countrymen,
by-the-bye, seldom enter into any society but that tainted circle that
must exist in all capitals.

'You have no idea,' he said, turning to Henrietta, 'what amiable and
accomplished people are the better order of Italians. I wish you would
let me light up this dark house some night, and give you an Italian
party.'

'I should like it very much,' said Mr. Temple.

Whenever Henrietta did not enter her negative Lord Montfort always
implied her assent, and it