do so, but his eye
burned with intense emotion. Had he asked me this question a short time
previous, conscious blushes would have dyed my cheeks, for a "murderous
guilt shows not itself more soon," than the feelings I attempt to
conceal; but my sensibility had been wounded, my pride roused, and my
heart chilled. I had discovered within myself a spirit which, like the
ocean bark, rises with the rising wave.

"If Mr. Linwood _had_ faults," I answered, and I could not help smiling
at the attempted composure and real perturbation of his manner, "I would
not speak of them. Peculiarities he may have, for they are inseparable
from genius,--fascinations"--here their remembrance was too strong for
my assumed indifference, and my sacred love of truth compelled me to
utter,--"fascinations he certainly possesses."

"In what do they consist?" he asked. "Beyond an extremely gentlemanly
exterior, I do not perceive any peculiar claims to admiration."

Hurt as I had been by Ernest's altered manner, I was disposed to do
justice to his merits, and the more Richard seemed desirous to
depreciate him, the more I was willing to exalt him. If he was capable
of the meanness of envy, I was resolved to punish him. I did him
injustice. He was not envious, but jealous; and it is impossible for
jealousy and justice ever to go hand in hand.

"In what do they consist?" I repeated. At that moment I saw him through
the window, standing just where I had left him, leaning with folded arms
against the pillar, with the moonlight shining gloriously on his brow.
Miss Melville stood near him, talking with great animation, emphasizing
her words with quick, decided gesticulation, while he seemed a passive
listener. I had seen handsomer gentlemen, perhaps,--but never one so
perfectly elegant and refined in appearance. The pale transparency of
his complexion had the purity and delicacy of alabaster without its
whiteness, seen by that clear, silvery light.

"In what do they consist? In powers of conversation as rich as they are
varied, in versatility of talents, in rare cultivation of mind and
polish of manner. Let me see. I must give you a complete inventory of
his accomplishments. He reads most charmingly, plays superbly, and sings
divinely. Would you know his virtues? He is a most devoted son, a
paragon of brothers, and a miracle of a host."

I believe there is a dash of coquetry in every woman's nature. There
must have been in mine, or I could not have g