e shallow suggestions of false delicacy, I had
not spoken openly even to Mr Devereux. I might have spoken in time. One
friendly hand stretched out in time might have prevented.... But I
cannot dwell on that conjecture--It is too painful.

Well! I know not how the reception day passed off, nor how dear Mrs
Eleanor was supported through her distressing task. But when I called,
a few days after, at the Hall, I found her apparently reconciled to the
appointed trial, looking, indeed, more pale and serious than was usual
with her, but not less serenely composed, and her manner, and the
expression of her countenance, when she addressed her brother, or
looked towards him, was almost heavenly--so eloquent of the tenderest
compassion and respect. But that brother! I--my old respected
friend--how had a few days of mental misery--the truth was evident--how
fearfully had those few days altered him! He was alone with his sister
when I entered his morning room.

"A little indisposed," he said, smiling; "and faint, from the unusual
heat." And she stood by him as he reclined in his easy-chair, to take
back the wine-glass, in which she had just administered to him some
drops of ether. The ancient handmaiden, with whom you have made
acquaintance, was in attendance with the salver, and having received the
empty glass from her lady, withdrew with a respectful curtsy to myself,
and, as she passed me, and her eyes met mine, I saw they were glistening
with tears.

My old friend stretched out to me a trembling hand, and apologised, with
his wonted and unfailing courtesy, for not rising to receive me: "But
Eleanor insists on it that I have over-exerted myself lately," he
observed, smiling affectionately on her; "and I must be rude and
self-indulgent to oblige her, and to recruit myself, to meet my guests
at dinner. They are so good as to excuse me in the morning," he added
hurriedly, and a faint blush passed over his countenance as he continued
with averted eyes, "By the by, L----, you have heard from my sister,
that I have felt it due to my cousin Heneage to invite his wife and part
of his family to the Hall? His feelings were naturally hurt by their
exclusion from it--and--and"----The struggle to proceed was a painful
one, but he achieved it, and in a firmer tone, and with eyes that were
raised to meet mine with a deprecating look, went on to say,--"You are
aware, L----, that I should not willingly have imposed on my dear sister
the irksome