A Simple Story

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ally forming, crowded so perpetually to the house, that seldom had Dorriforth even a moment left him from her visits or visitors, to warn her of her danger:-yet when a moment offered, he caught it eagerly-pressed the necessity of "Time not always passed in society; of reflection; of reading; of thoughts for a future state; and of virtues acquired to make old age supportable." That forci

s one who seemed, even when absent from her, to share her thoughts. This was Lord Frederick Lawn

ok pride in having it known that he was among the number of her devoted admirers. Dorriforth beheld this growing intimacy with alternate pain and pleasure-he wished to see Miss Milner married, to see his charge in the protection of another, rather than of himself; yet under the care of a young

ndifference, the sensations of both-there was but one passion which then held a place in her bosom, and that was vanity; vanity defined into all the species of pride, vain-glory, self-approbation-an inordinate desire of admiration, and an immoderate enjoyment of the art of pleasing,

ner's inseparable companion at home, and her zealous advocate with Dorriforth, whenever, during her absence, she became the subject of discourse. He listened with hope to the prais

discontinue his visits. She smiled with ridicule at the caution, but finding it repeated, and in a manner that indicated authority, she promised not only to make, but to enforce the request. The next time he came she did so, assuring him it was by her guardian's desire; "Who, from motives of delicacy, had permitted her to solicit as a favour, what he could himself make

oves you himself, and it is jealousy t

ley, who was present, and who tremble

ed his Lordship, "for who but a savage could be

th sees and converses with beauty, but from habit he does

e that love is n

rd, than habit could

t should mount to a flame, for I think it a crime to b

oid a sin?-this very motive deters

stick vows, like those of marriage, were made to be broken

eagerly, "than those which dwell in

vered her opinion, and his accidental entrance at the very moment this praise had been conferred upon him in his absence, heightene

Dorriforth, looking with

r," replied Lord Frederick, "has affecte

d at the untruth,

cried Miss Woodley; "fo

did," replied Miss Milner, "but

tion? Who would think it worth their while

s Milner," replied Lord Frederick,

st hesitated for a moment in want of a reply-and Miss Milner softly whispering to him, as her guardian turned his head, to avoid

ve me absolution of all my sins, for

ladies, lest, in order to excite their compassion, you should be

ly so well pleased, that Lord Freder

belard

till must lo

one emotion of shame or of anger-while Miss Milner seemed shocked at the implication; her pleasantry was immediately suppres

s to his cousin, Mr. Dorriforth, but as all ceremonious visits were alike received by Dorriforth, Miss Milner, and Mrs. Horton's f