differences
of national music, thence to the discoveries then making in Central
America, and lastly, engaged her in an animated discussion of the
question of slavery. On none of these points was he deeply or even well
informed, but he possessed that fluency and facility which intercourse
with society confers; and as all his knowledge was derived from men,
and not from books, it bore a certain stamp of originality about it
that secured attention. Not, indeed, from George Onslow; he was the most
bored of men. None of the topics were his topics. Of Tattersall's, the
Guards' Club, the society of London, the odds on the "Derby," he could
have discoursed well and pleasantly. From what was "wrong" with the
Sa'nbucca filly to what was not right with Lady Flutterton's niece, he
could have told you everything; but all these other themes were, in his
estimation, but sheer pedantry, and, indeed, they only lacked a little
knowledge a very little would have sufficed to be so.

"He is gone," said the Prince, with a caustic smile which revealed a
plan; "gone at last."

"So, then, this was a device of yours, Prince," said she, laughing. "I
really must call my cousin back and tell him so."

"No, no," said he, seriously. "I have won my battle, let me profit by
my victory. Let me speak to you on another subject." He drew his chair
a little nearer to the table as he spoke, and laid his arm on it. Kate's
heart beat fast and full; and the color came and went rapidly in her
cheek. A vague sense of fear, of shame, and of triumphant pride were all
at conflict within her. There was but one theme in the world that
could have warranted such a commencement, so serious, so grave, so
purpose-like. Was this, then, possible?

The glittering stars all a blaze of brilliants that shone beside her
seemed an emblem of that high state which was now within her reach; and
what a torrent of varied emotions rushed through her heart! Of home, of
her father, of Nelly, of Frank; and, lastly, what thoughts of George,
poor George, whom she knew loved her, and to whom, without loving, she
was not altogether indifferent. "Do not be agitated, Mademoiselle," said
the prince, laying the slightest touch of his jewelled fingers on her
arm. "I ask a little patience and a little calm consideration for what I
am about to say."

"Is that really like an Irish peasant's cottage, Miss Daiton?" said the
abbe, as he held before her a drawing of one, in all the details of its
m