hem, opened a fresh field for Mrs.
Falkner's speculations, and not being either so fastidious or
clear-sighted as his cousin George, Sir Horace, at one time, bid fair
to set the former an example.

They were all assembled at Dr. Sherman's a few nights after Mr.
Mortimer's return, when Sir Horace was introduced, to Helen. He almost
started, but said nothing; however his eyes were so completely riveted
on her, that he became quite absent--in short, his fixed gaze became
painful. Dr. Sherman was, during the evening, called to the door, when
he received a parcel from London, carriage paid, which the man said he
had promised to place in the Doctor's own hand. The worthy man
wondering from whom it could possibly come, retired to his own room
and opened it. It contained Mrs. Willoughby's portrait and the pocket
book; the latter he locked up carefully; the former he was carrying to
Helen: who being engaged with Mrs. Sherman in the adjoining room, he
showed it to Sir Horace Mortimer, with whom he had just been
conversing about Helen, and her orphan charge.

"Can it be possible," said he "or do my eyes deceive me?"

The Doctor looked inquiringly, but Sir Horace said no more. At last he
went up to the Doctor, and asked if Helen was expecting the arrival of
the miniature? Dr. Sherman replied, she knew it was safe, but was
quite uncertain when it might arrive.

"Then my dear sir, would you trust me with it till to-morrow morning?
when I will restore it at an early hour," I would not ask, but for
very particular reasons, connected it may be, of much moment to that
dear girl: if as I strongly suspect, I have seen that miniature
before, there is a secret and very minute spring, which I could not
well ascertain without my glasses. Believe me, my dear Doctor, I have
very cogent reasons for my request, and I feel no common interest in
Miss Willoughby: but we are attracting the notice of those people I am
staying with, who are not at all friendly disposed towards her; in
fact, they have done all in their power to prejudice me against her.

The Doctor marvelled much at the request; but readily acceeded to
it--and then both he and Sir Horace Mortimer, joined in the general
conversation.

When the little party broke up, Sir Horace Mortimer undertook to be
Helen's escort, and offered her his arm. Miss Falkner having come with
him, quietly took the other. When they reached Helen's abode, which
was in the way to Falkner Villa, at parting,