er head till the long ringlets fell straight
from her fair forehead, and half concealed the blushing cheek, which
each moment grew redder,--"I am so terrified, but you 'll forgive
it,--I know you will,--well, she said, looking towards you, 'I am not
acquainted with this young gentleman yet, but if I should have that
honor soon I 'll take the liberty to tell him that the worthy father's
zeal in his service is ill-requited by his stealing the affections of
his youngest daughter.'" Scarcely were the words uttered, when, as if
the strength that sustained her up to that moment suddenly failed, she
reeled back and sank fainting on a sofa.

Happily for Cashel's character for propriety, a very general rush of
ladies, old and young, to the spot, prevented him taking her in his arms
and carrying her to the balcony for air; but a universal demand for sal
volatile, aromatic vinegar, open windows, and all the usual restoratives
concealed his agitation, which really was extreme.

"You are quite well now, dearest," said her mamma, bathing her temples,
and so artistically as to make her pale face seem even more beautiful in
the slight dishevelment of her hair. "It was the heat."

"Yes, mamma," muttered she, quite low.

"Hem! I thought so," whispered Lady Janet to a neighbor. "She was too
warm."

"I really wish that young ladies would reserve these scenes for fitting
times and places. That open window has brought back my lumbago," said
Lord Kilgoff.

"The true treatment for syncope," broke in the Dean, "is not by
stimulants. The want of blood on the brain is produced by mechanical
causes, and you have merely to hold the person up by the legs--"

"Oh, Mr. Dean! Oh, fie!" cried twenty voices together.

"The Dean is only exemplifying his etymology on 'top side t'other way,'"
cried Linton.

"Lord Kilgoff's carriage stops the way," said a servant. And now, the
first announcement given, a very general air of leave-taking pervaded
the company.

"Won't you have some more muffling?--nothing round _your_ throat?--a
little negus, my Lord, before venturing into the night air."--"How
early!"--"How late!"--"What a pleasant evening!"--"What a fine
night!"--"May I offer you my arm?--mind that step--goodbye,
good-bye--don't forget to-morrow."--"Your shawl S is blue--that's Lady
Janet's."--"Which is your hat?"--

"That's not mine. Thanks--don't take so much trouble."--"Not your
carriage, it is the next but one--mind the draught."--A hundred