ansmere's house, at Knightsbridge. He asked for the countess, and
was shown into the drawing-room, which was deserted. Egerton was paler
than usual; and as the door opened, he wiped the unwonted moisture from
his forehead, and there was a quiver on his firm lip. The countess
too, on entering, showed an emotion almost equally unusual to her
self-control. She pressed Audley's hand in silence, and seating herself
by his side, seemed to collect her thoughts. At length she said,

"It is rarely indeed that we meet, Mr. Egerton, in spite of your
intimacy with Lansmere and Harley. I go so little into your world, and
you will not voluntarily come to me."

"Madam," replied Egerton, "I might evade your kind reproach by stating
that my hours are not at my disposal; but I answer you with plain
truth,--it must be painful to both of us to meet."

The countess coloured and sighed, but did not dispute the assertion.

Audley resumed: "And therefore, I presume that, in sending for me, you
have something of moment to communicate?"

"It relates to Harley," said the countess, as if in apology; "and I
would take your advice."

"To Harley! Speak on, I beseech you."

"My son has probably told you that he has educated and reared a young
girl, with the intention to make her Lady L'Estrange, and hereafter
Countess of Lansmere."

"Harley has no secrets from me," said Egerton, mournfully. "This young
lady has arrived in England, is here, in this house."

"And Harley too?"

"No, she came over with Lady N------and her daughters. Harley was to
follow shortly, and I expect him daily. Here is his letter. Observe,
he has never yet communicated his intentions to this young person, now
entrusted to my care, never spoken to her as the lover."

Egerton took the letter and read it rapidly, though with attention.

"True," said he, as he returned the letter: "and before he does so he
wishes you to see Miss Digby and to judge of her yourself,--wishes to
know if you will approve and sanction his choice."

"It is on this that I would consult you: a girl without rank; the
father, it is true, a gentleman, though almost equivocally one, but the
mother, I know not what. And Harley, for whom I hoped an alliance
with the first houses in England!" The countess pressed her hands
convulsively together.

EGERTON.--"He is no more a boy. His talents have been wasted, his life
a wanderer's. He presents to you a chance of resettling his mind,
of re-arousing his