Cautiously, however, she concealed this vindication, only known to Smith and herself, from her mother; and contrived one day when she was with her, to drive through the street where Minette resided, and pointing out the house, its mean appearance was sufficient to convince Mrs. Stanhope, in whose mind pride was a predominant sentiment, that no person creditable would dwell there; and entirely decided against Amelrosa-more especially as the fat woman was standing at the door, whose unprepossessing exterior and slovenly dress, though an honest woman, was similar to that of women in general who keep inferior houses of ill fame.

When they heard that Montague was below, Catherine with the utmost perturbation addressed her mother.

Surely, my dear madam, you will not suffer this gentleman to be deceived respecting Amelrosa? It will be doing the greatest

greatest kindness to both, to let him be acquainted with her attachment to another, as their union will otherwise be productive of misery to themselves, when he finds after marriage her regard is alienated and she is pining for Lord Conrade.-At all events, I would slightly mention our confirmed suspicions; and Smith and myself strongly suspect she is now gone to the house where she meets his lordship, as Smith is certain. from the direction she took, as she watched her when she went out, that she is going there."

"Unworthy girl!" exclaimed Mrs. Stanhope," she has quite exhausted my patience." And with an idea that it was doing an act of justice, and naturally of a severe disposition, she desired in consequence of Catherine's representations, that Captain Glenholme should be shewn up.

The striking elegance and noble grandeur of his air, which bespoke the polished soldier, inspired them with admiration, and

added

added new poignancy to the rancour of Catherine. The rapture that filled his soul at the prospect of seeing Amelrosa, gave the most speaking animation to his eyes, and enlivened his whole countenance.Being always exposed to the weather and the heat of the climate in Portugal, the scorching rays had sun-burnt his face; yet it had, in consequence, acquired a more manly look; while the fairness of his forehead denoted the natural fineness of his complexion: his mouth was a model of perfection, and when he smiled, as he gracefully addressed Mrs. Stanhope and her daughter, the most fascinating expression dwelt on his lips; and he displayed teeth delicately regular, whose whiteness were forcibly contrasted by the embrowned hue of his countenance.-His eyes, however, wandered about the room, as if he expected to have seen Amelrosa; and eagerly asking after her, the expression of joy that illumed them, disappeared when he found she was not at home.

Perceiving

Perceiving his disappointment, Mrs. Stanhope in the most artful manner, introduced the subject on which she wished to converse with him; and after a long preambulation, on the regard she felt for Amelrosa, and that Lady Archdale had imparted their engagement; she continued to add, how grieved she was to wound his feelings, though necessitated to acquaint him, that Lord Conrade Mansforth had alienated her affections.

Frequently, she informed him, had she expostulated with this misguided girl, knowing she was contracted to another, but with no other effect than incurring her displeasure, without occasioning her to desist from her imprudence; which had indeed, rather increased from that time, having lately met Lord Conrade very often at a house far from reputable. "I am much mistaken," Mrs. Stanhope proceeded, (uninterrupted by Montague, who petrified with sorrow and astonishment, could not

articulate)

articulate) "if she is not gone there this morning, and will give you an address to the place where I suspect she now is. I would advise you, to convince yourself if she is in the house, and you had better after the street door is opened, run up without asking any questions to the first floor; where, I understand, she has interviews with his lordship; and perhaps, the sight of you, may rouse her from her present delusion; whilst with redoubled affection, her heart returns to its first possessor."

As her mother spoke, Catherine was gnawing her lips with stifled rage, considering if Captain Glenholme went to the house, he might probably find Amelrosa with the Mrs. Belmont she visited, and her innocence be established; however, contrary to her expectation, her malignant disposition was completely gratified by an unfortunate concatenation of events, that proved more fatal to the meek victim of her hatred, than she could have hoped.

Montague,