the Count. They never
could look confused.'

'Watch Henrietta,' said Lord Montfort.

'It is not fair. How silent Ferdinand is!'

'Yes, he is not quite sure whether he is Christopher Sly or not,' said
Lord Montfort. 'What a fine embarrassment you have contrived, Miss
Grandison!'

'Nay, Digby, you were the author of it. I cannot help thinking of your
interview with Mr. Temple. You were prompt!'

'Why, I can be patient, fair Katherine,' said Lord Montfort; 'but in the
present instance I shrank from suspense, more, however, for others than
myself. It certainly was a singular interview.'

'And were you not nervous?'

'Why, no; I felt convinced that the interview could have only one
result. I thought of your memorable words; I felt I was doing what you
wished, and that I was making all of us happy. However, all honour be to
Mr. Temple! He has proved himself a man of sense.'

As the dinner proceeded, there was an attempt on all sides to be gay.
Count Mirabel talked a great deal, and Lady Bellair laughed at what he
said, and maintained her reputation for repartee. Her ladyship had been
for a long time anxious to seize hold of her gay neighbour, and it was
evident that he was quite 'a favourite.' Even Ferdinand grew a little
more at his ease. He ventured to relieve the duke from some of his
labours, and carve for Miss Temple.

'What do you think of our family party?' said Henrietta to Ferdinand, in
a low voice.

'I can think only of one thing,' said Ferdinand.

'I am so nervous,' she continued, 'that it seems to me I shall every
minute shriek, and leave the room.'

'I feel the same; I am stupefied.'

'Talk to Mr. Glastonbury; drink wine, and talk. Look, look at your
mother; she is watching us. She is dying to speak to you, and so is some
one else.'

At length the ladies withdrew. Ferdinand attended them to the door of
the dining-room. Lady Bellair shook her fan at him, but said nothing.
He pressed his mother's hand. 'Good-bye, cousin Ferdinand,' said Miss
Grandison in a laughing tone. Henrietta smiled upon him as she passed
by. It was a speaking glance, and touched his heart. The gentlemen
remained behind much longer than was the custom in Mr. Temple's house.
Everybody seemed resolved to drink a great deal of wine, and Mr. Temple
always addressed himself to Ferdinand, if anything were required, in
a manner which seemed to recognise, his responsible position in the
family.

Anxious as Ferdinand was to escape