Mabel, Vol. II (of 3)

miled, but

snare and

nys

tana's dress had cost more than twice as much as her sisters', and it was of as little use to flatter her vanity by representing that she would be the most elegantly dressed in the whole ball-room; Caroline's temper was not to be conquered in a single night. Tired of persuasion, her mother stormed, and changing entreaties for threats, commanded her to go; but Caroline was obstinate, and nothing but bodily force could have moved her from the arm

xpended to prepare, the bitterness of her disappointment was not a little increased by remembering that this fruitless purchase had been made with part of the

any strangers were anxious to be introduced to the fairy Villars, as she was that night called; but one only attracted, and soon absorbed her attention, he was a young man of a prepossessing appearance, with large melting eyes and a low persuasive voice. Evidently attracted by her appearance, he had obtained an introduction, under the name of Beauclerc. He waltzed to perfection, and the implied compliments he every now and then offered, in a tone and voice of great sweetness, Lucy took for deeper homage than he perhaps intended, and the ready blush deepened on her cheek, and her eye sparkled when she suffered herself to be led to a seat apart from the dancers, where his witty remarks afforded her ample amusement. So readily, indeed, fl

ng at conversation, I assure you, with as much industry and dulness as the noted donkey at Carrisbrooke Castle employs in his task, but with far less success, for he succeeds in fetching up some water-I am afraid I can

out a small hunting watch which he quietly opened, and then handing it

e "oblige me by wi

ng, "by breaking the spring, I sup

wind my watch, because I have not given you the r

n its construction, is yet so necessary to the watch, that it alone can render it of any service. It is so with the human mind, we may live for years without being fortunate enough to meet with one answering mind which can unlock the treasures of our

Lucy, hesitating

ese things as well as understand them. Nay, you must not think me rude if I say I read as much when first introduced to you; and that I felt I should be understood if I ventured to speak in a way which the w

he only broke up the conversation after repeated invitations to the dance, and her pulse fluttered quickly as she heard, or fancied she heard, a sigh

riends rallied her on her daughter's conquest, and she to

s own carriage, and two hunters, to the Castle, and Ball-and

these particulars, but was not sorry t

f Caroline and Hargrave were but here, I should be quite happy." B

d. With this pleasing impression, she leant back in the fly which conveyed them home, and gave herself up to pleasant reverie, and castle building. She ran over every word which had passed in their lon

hy, he never talked in six weeks, half the sense which Mr. Beauclerc has thrown into one conversation. I feel quite grateful to him for deserting me, since, otherwise, I nev

ted by their stopping at their own door, pa

re voices in the drawing-room, I am

ne talking to somebody. When, upon this information, they opened the door, Caroline was discovered tête

one of triumph in he

Hargrav

out of her husband's mouth; "I can scarcely forgive

ably," said Caroline; "the de

prevented my keeping my appointment; and I trust, my dear sir, that you will excuse my keeping your di

said Mrs. Villars; "we are v

ia, "you did not arri

he could go to a fancy ball after a

for such gaiety, and was more pleased by

entertain," said Mrs. Villars, smiling benignly, "and, i

ng able to divine how his distant connection with the

t Caroline has taken every care of you,

o retire to rest, when I had once announced my intention of remaining up to introduce myself. I

ing to say a few words to his host, and the la

will never blame you again, for I see you know how to manage w

rly part of the evening, she had more justly blamed. Caroline, in her turn, looked upon t

ertaining man, and, I dare say, if the truth were

for I also met with a most s

rave is nothing to him. Every one was wondering wh

aroline, with jealous bitterness. "I t

grily, for it was not the f

closer this time-I will have no one to a

to be on good terms with all the world. Nothing could have been more propitious than your meeting in such

lieve in love at first sigh

either, I dare

ia, to remember what you sa

he laid down her Swiss hat and ribbons, with a si

ly, Caroline, you can give us your opinion of

tage to take of discrimination is to retail a private conversation, fo

anced angri

, sounds like something, and if you will conquer the good nabob in your own way, I suppose we must excuse bein

very handsome

rehead, nose and eyes-all tolerably well put together. Yes, I suppose he might be

be considered as one of our own family, and I do not see

te so rigid with regard to M

affairs under deliberation; and she retired to rest satisfied with the course events had taken, and fully impressed with respect for Caroline's judgment. She, meanwhile, in the retirement of her own room, condescen