At that name Theodore's countenance changed: it had put to flight every agreeable idea excited by the unusual animation of Count Lauvenheilm. Theodore had expected an evening of unmixed pleasure under the shelter of his watchful politeness: secure of indulgence and support from him,' he had hoped to throw off the unmanly embarrassment that had distressed him the

preceding night, and to meet the social joy of others upon something like equal terms. But this unwelcome visitor rose like the spectre of a crime, to wither all his enjoy

ments.

Heinreich's profligacy, and Dofrestom's paternal disappointment, were so closely associated with this man's name, that only the habit of hearing it often was likely to weaken its effect.

When the gentlemen got down stairs they found the admiral in the hall, waiting for them. Count Lauvenheilm presented Theodore, adding some handsome expression of the esteem with which he considered VOL. II.

him.

The Admiral bowed coldly.

He

was a person of middle age, and had the air of a man à bonnes fortunes. By the different mode of his address to the Count and to himself, Theodore at once saw that he was never to expect any thing but repelling civility from him.

Familiarly free, even to excess, with his equals, Count Gulderlieu was the haughtiest of men to his inferiors. He talked profusely during their drive, and solely to his brother-in-law, leaving Theodore ample leisure to muse over the painful events connected with his idea.

These thoughts, and others in their train, had so entirely subdued the raised spirits of Theodore, that when he alighted at the villa, and went to make some alteration in his dress, he wished that he could have absented himself from the gay party below.

The visitors expected by the Count had nearly all arrived before him; so that on Theodore's appearance amongst them twen, ty persons were assembled. In the first

apartment, half the party were engaged at cards or in conversation, while those in the inner room were occupied with music.

The cheerful sounds proceeding thence were peculiarly discordant to Theodore in his present mood; but as Count Lauvenheilm was not in the first chamber, he was obliged to seek him in the second.

A little groupe of ladies and gentlemen, including the Count, were round Anastasia at her harpsichord in a full flush of beauty, heightening every moment by the audible admiration of those around, she sat, the idol of the circle. Theodore looked about for Ellesif he saw her at a distance, laughing and talking with a man twice her age, from whose favourable resemblance to the Admiral, he judged him to be the elder Count Gulderlieu. The instant she saw Guevara hesitating between the entrance of the two apartments, she came forward, and asked him some trivial question in a manner that shewed she took an interest in his pensive looks. He answered her question by

something more than a reply; an amusing remark of her's followed; and by degrees she won him from his melancholy.

Theodore was surprised to find himself more at ease in this large circle than he had been in the narrow one of the last night. Ellesif proposed his introduction to Anastasia's uncle; and leading him towards that part of the room where the Viceroy stood, she presented Señor Guevara as her father's friend. Madame Sauveur joined them. While the set round the instrument were tossing over music-books, and settling the different parts they were to take in the next duet or trio, they formed an agree able party quarré.

By the time the performers had made their selection, and, a new piece beginning, called for silent attention, Madame Sauveur was volubly telling herself, that she had really been mistaken in the young secretary, for that he was not only the handsomest man in the room, but surprizingly agree.

able;

in short, she began to think he

was not quite unlike a Frenchman!

In truth Theodore felt instant exhilaration, and a pleasure unknown before, at the sight of Ellesif; her delightful spirits were contagious he was pleased with the courteous manners of the Viceroy; and entertained beyond measure with the novelty of that picquant yet elegant raillery, that sportive attack and defence which he heard. from Ellésif and the persons round, and which is rarely ventured in less polished society.

At the conclusion of the second piece of music, Anastasia rose, and taking another lady by the arm, went into the card room, followed by her train of adorers.

Count Lauvenheilm joined his youngest daughter. The last touches of graceful wit were left for him to bestow on the conversation. Animated by private occurrences, and full of proud hopes, the Count never appeared to more advantage. Theodore followed the elegant play of his mind