call for writing materials and write, upon one corner of the table,

a hasty note; still, as she did so, glancing with smiles at her

companion. 'Here,' said she, 'here is the letter which will

introduce you to my cousin.' She began to fold the paper. 'My

cousin, although I have never seen her, has the character of a very

charming woman and a recognised beauty; of that I know nothing, but

at least she has been very kind to me; so has my lord her father;

so have you--kinder than all--kinder than I can bear to think of.'

She said this with unusual emotion; and, at the same time, sealed

the envelope. 'Ah!' she cried, 'I have shut my letter! It is not

quite courteous; and yet, as between friends, it is perhaps better

so. I introduce you, after all, into a family secret; and though

you and I are already old comrades, you are still unknown to my

uncle. You go then to this address, Richard Street, Glasgow; go,

please, as soon as you arrive; and give this letter with your own

hands into those of Miss Fonblanque, for that is the name by which

she is to pass. When we next meet, you will tell me what you think

of her,' she added, with a touch of the provocative.

'Ah,' said Challoner, almost tenderly, 'she can be nothing to me.'

'You do not know,' replied the young lady, with a sigh. 'By-the-

bye, I had forgotten--it is very childish, and I am almost ashamed

to mention it--but when you see Miss Fonblanque, you will have to

make yourself a little ridiculous; and I am sure the part in no way

suits you. We had agreed upon a watchword. You will have to

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