better for having suffered. I redoubled my attentions, and
before the company rose from table, I fancied that she no longer
regarded me with indifference.

From this happy dream, I too soon awoke to an agonizing consciousness
of my own insignificance. A Counsellor Sabine, who had been conversing
with my uncle during the greater part of the evening, beckoned me over
to a distant part of the room, and I reluctantly obeyed the summons. He
wanted me to settle a dispute between him and Mr. Moncton, relative to
some papers, which he said had been entrusted to my care.

My place by Catherine Lee's side was instantly filled by Theophilus.

Mrs. Hepburn, Catherine's aunt, asked him in a low voice, which,
occupied as I was with other matters, did not fail to reach my ears,
who I was, and the station I held in society, and ended her remarks by
passing sundry encomiums on my person and accomplishments.

"_Accomplishments!_" repeated Theophilus, with a sneer. "I know not how
he should be accomplished, Mrs. Hepburn. He is a poor clerk in my
father's office; and as to his standing in society, that is something
new to me. He is a natural son of my uncle Edward's, whom my father
adopted into the family, and brought him up out of charity. I was
surprised at him, an uninvited guest, daring to address his
conversation to Miss Lee."

It was well for the dastard, that he was protected by the presence of
ladies, and beyond the reach of my arm, or I certainly should have
committed an act of violence.

I restrained my indignation, however, and appeared outwardly
calm--received some instructions from the counsellor and noted them
down with stoical precision. My hand did not tremble, my passion was
too terrible for trifling demonstrations. I think I could have put a
pistol to his head, and seen him bleeding at my feet, without feeling
one pang of remorse.

Miss Lee's carriage was announced. I roused myself from a dream of
vengeance, and offered my arm to conduct her down stairs. She cast upon
me a look of sorrowful meaning, and her aunt refused my services with a
distant bow.

I drew proudly back "This," I thought, "is their gratitude. This is
like the rest of the world."

Mrs. Hepburn gave her hand to Theophilus, and with a grin of triumph he
led them out.

After the company had separated I went up to Theophilus, and demanded
an explanation of his ungentlemanly conduct. The answer I received was
an insolent laugh.

No longer able