ness as of thought, were directed with so sad an expression towards Anastasia, that she distinctly perceived that expression proceeded from some source unconnected with her. The nobleness of his figure had pleased her on their first introduction, but he had spoken so little during dinner, that she could only guess at his mind. His present air of deep dejection awakened pity, and with pity, kindness.

"Are you fond of music, Señor Guevara?" she said. At the delightful sound of her voice, Theodore started round with a graceful glow of surprize. "No," he said hastily; then recollecting himself, added, "I mean I am neither a performer nor a judge of it.”

"You draw then?" was the second remark. For the first time in his life, he felt reluctant to own that he knew nothing of drawing either: "but I am a sincere admirer of that charming art," he added. "Come then," said Ellesif," and have the goodness to prove you are indulgent to

6

Do

for

those who attempt it, by assisting me. you think you can cut these crayons me?" Theodore gladly accepted the office. Ellesif went on with her drawing after a few criticisms, while he pursued the task she had given him. Another silence ensued. "Here then," thought Theodore," am I placed in a situation where, for one half of each day, I shall be nothing! My only link of union with society is conversation, and how small a part can that occupy. I have none of these lighter and more portable accomplishments that form so agreeable a variety in domestic circles. Yet, as it is notmy fault that I have them not, I am at least spared the pain of self-reproof."

"Our occupations must appear very frivolous to you," said Ellesif, in a low tone: 60 my father has told me how much better you employ your time; so pray do not think that we never occupy ourselves with nobler things."

"You are very good," answered Theodore, "thus to depreciate what is charm

ing, for the sake of reconciling me to my own deficiencies.”

Ellesif blushed and bowed. She rose from her seat, and taking a long moroccocase from another table, opened it upon that where she had been drawing. "As you like pictures, probably you will be interested by this collection of very scarce medals: they are heads of eminent persons."

Theodore was struck by the delicate observation of his irksome feelings which this act indicated. Ellesif thus glided from her solitary employment into one that would associate him with her; he no longer felt an isolated, useless being; and by degrees. his countenance and his conversation became as animated, though not as sportive, as hers.

"I hope you have found something to amuse Señor Guevara with, besides my noisy lesson," asked Anastasia, turning her radiant face towards them. "I see Madame la Marquise has comfortably tucked herself for the evening ;" and in truth the weary Frenchwoman had laid aside her cards, and

up

rolled herself in her shawl at full length apon one of the sophas.

"Indeed Madame la Marquise is not asleep," said she, looking up; "I am only resting myself: I saw nobody was inclined to talk. I walked twice round the globe this morning while you ladies were in bed, so I may be tired.”

"Is not this something like the first bar of that pretty symphony they played last night before your scene?" asked Anastasia, striking a few beautiful chords.

"O! for heaven's sake," interrupted Ellesif," dearest Anastasia, do not recall that hateful business. I shall never think of it without shame, mortification -"

Theodore's speaking eyes just then raised to her's, redoubled her confusion. “ Surely, Señor Guevara -"she hesitated, "I really fear, by your looks, that you know what I mean. Ah! I see you were present."

Theodore could not deny that he had been there. Ellesif closed the case of medals, and, completely subdued by the recol

lection of her supposed childishness, became again the bashful, agitated creature that had first interested him.

Theodore would have argued her, and Madame Sauveur scolded her out of such excessive sensibility to a trifle; but ever in the habit of magnifying her own faults, the phantoms of Ellesif's imagination would. yield no obedience to the reason of another.

Anastasia was brought from her instrument by the distressed tones of her sister. She appeared sincerely sorry for Ellesif's distress, but agreed with Theodore in pronouncing it extravagant and causeless. "Had it happened to me, my dear Ellesif," she said, "I should have cared for it just as little as if I had played wrong at cards; and who would weep about that? You must know, Señor Guevara, that this foolish sister of mine is all made up of nerves, and that it is her body's fault when she is as silly as you see her just now."

As Anastasia laid her beautiful hand on the throbbing neck of Ellesif, with the good