to them, but remained in silence for some time, as did
the rest of the little party. Clive tried to think he had asserted his
independence by showing that he was not ashamed of his old aunt; but the
doubt may be whether there was any necessity for presenting her in this
company, and whether Mr. Clive had not much better have left the tart
question alone.

Ethel evidently thought so: for she talked and rattled in the most
lively manner with Lord Farintosh for the rest of the evening, and
scarcely chose to say a word to her cousin. Lady Anne was absent with
Sir Brian and her children for the most part of the time: and thus Clive
had the pleasure of listening to Miss Newcome uttering all sorts of odd
little paradoxes, firing the while sly shots at Mr. Clive, and, indeed,
making fun of his friends, exhibiting herself in not the most agreeable
light. Her talk only served the more to bewilder Lord Farintosh, who did
not understand a tithe of her allusions: for Heaven, which had endowed
the young Marquis with personal charms, a large estate, an ancient title
and the pride belonging to it, had not supplied his lordship with a
great quantity of brains, or a very feeling heart.

Lady Anne came back from the upper regions presently, with rather a
grave face, and saying that Sir Brian was not so well this evening,
upon which the young men rose to depart. My lord said he had "a most
delightful dinner and a most delightful tart, 'pon his honour," and was
the only one of the little company who laughed at his own remark. Miss
Ethel's eyes flashed scorn at Mr. Clive when that unfortunate subject
was introduced again.

My lord was going back to London to-morrow. Was Miss Newcome going back?
Wouldn't he like to go back in the train with her!--another unlucky
observation. Lady Anne said, "it would depend on the state of Sir
Brian's health the next morning whether Ethel would return; and both of
you gentlemen are too young to be her escort," added the kind lady. Then
she shook hands with Clive, as thinking she had said something too for
him.

Farintosh in the meantime was taking leave of Miss Newcome. "Pray,
pray," said his lordship, "don't throw me over at Lady Innishowan's.
You know I hate balls and never go to 'em, except when you go. I hate
dancing, I do, 'pon my honour."

"Thank you," said Miss Newcome, with a curtsey.

"Except with one person--only one person, upon my honour. I'll remember
and get the invitation for your friend