with a smile half compassionate half ironical, "that Herbert is in love with you?"

"Not the least in the world!-Do not so mistake me. I believe his sole object to be my fortune."

"As Julia's inheritance hereafter, if you persist in refusing every match that presents itself. Perhaps so!"

-

"No, he is simply, though subtly introducing himself into the family; trusting that he may by degrees overcome my aversion, and obtain my hand."

"As if you were likely to accept him,-a junior branch of the family,-after refusing Sir Richard!"

"Mr Davenport may suppose, with truth, that I did not like my cousin."

"He must think very highly of himself to suppose you would prefer him to one of the best looking men in England, with such a property as the Grange!"—

"Little as I like him, I do prefer him to

Sir Richard! But I need not tell you, dear mother, that I have no partiality for either."

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Then why throw cold water on Herbert's courtship of your sister?"

"If it existed, and were acceptable, believe me, I should not. But knowing my fortune to be his object, I should grieve if your acceptance of his introductions intitled any one to accuse me hereafter of caprice or coquetry, when, on the explanation of his views, I reject his suit."

Mrs Hecksworth patted her daughter patronizingly on the shoulder. "Do not be alarmed, my dear!" said she, preparing to quit the room," that day will never come ! You are more likely to have me interceding with you for an increase of dowry for poor Ju. !—By the way, Lucy," added she, returning towards the table, where Miss Hecksworth was engaged in drawing, to place before her some visiting cards which she took from the memorandum book she had been holding in

her hand," who, do you think, are arrived in Naples?-Lady Hillingdon and her daughters!".

"Those pleasant girls we met at dinner at Lady Reigate's?".

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Precisely. We exchanged visits in London, if you remember, towards the end of the season; and they have left their cards here this morning."

"I am glad of it," replied Miss Hecksworth, more interested in her drawing than the intelligence." Julia and Helen will find them an acquisition."

"And why not you, my dear?"

"I?-Oh! I am out of the question. Till I am strong enough to join in your gaieties, it costs me too much exertion to form new acquaintance."

"Without going to balls or fêtes, my dear," remonstrated her mother, " you will not, I hope, seclude yourself from the little parties I hope soon to collect around me ?

There will shortly be a charming knot of English people in Naples. Herbert Davenport writes me word he has persuaded the Duke of Attleborough to accompany him hither, and that his cousin Lord John Howard will soon follow.".

"But we know nothing of either?"—

"Connected as we are with Herbert, the acquaintance is a matter of course; and will prove a great acquisition, both to yourself and your sisters?"

"That I can hardly answer for till it is made!" said Lucy more cheerfully. "Thank you, dear mamma, now that you have disposed of Julia to your satisfaction, for looking out for flirtations for Helen and myself!But what have Lady Hillingdon and her daughters to do with your projects?"—

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Only that the Duke of Attleborough was said to admire one of the Miss Joddrells." "And you barbarously intend her claims to interfere with ours?"-resumed Lucy, a

little surprised to find that what she had alluded to in jest, was earnest on the part of her mother.

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Why, situated as we are," resumed Mrs Hecksworth, in a confidential tone,—“ I could not with propriety allow these young men to establish an intimacy in the house, unless other young ladies besides my daughters were admitted. If you had a brother to justify their visits, it would be different. But as Herbert Davenport does not at present reside under my roof"

"And as I sincerely trust you will not suffer him to be constantly in the house,". added her daughter in a lower voice.—

"We may find the Hillingdon party of service," concluded her mother. "Surely

my nephew Richard once paid attention to one of the daughters?"—

"So Herbert informed me; and that it was out of pique at my rejection of his proposals. But I have since heard of Sir