red in some of the opinions she had been most fond of, received
him with uncommon civility, and all the rest of the company treated him
with the greatest respect. But Tommy, who had lately been the oracle and
admiration of all this brilliant circle, appeared to have lost all his
vivacity; he, indeed, advanced to meet Mr Barlow with a look of
tenderness and gratitude, and made the most respectful answers to all
his inquiries; but his eyes were involuntarily turned to the ground, and
silent melancholy and dejection were visible in his face.

Mr Barlow remarked, with the greatest pleasure, these signs of humility
and contrition, and pointed them out to Mr Merton the first time he had
an opportunity of speaking to him without being overheard; adding,
"that, unless he was much deceived, Tommy would soon give ample proofs
of the natural goodness of his character, and reconcile himself to all
his friends." Mr Merton heard this observation with the greatest
pleasure, and now began to entertain some hopes of seeing it
accomplished.

After the dinner was over most of the young gentlemen went away to their
respective homes. Tommy seemed to have lost much of the enthusiasm which
he had lately felt for his polite and accomplished friends; he even
appeared to feel a secret joy at their departure, and answered with a
visible coldness at professions of regard and repeated invitations. Even
Mrs Compton herself, and Miss Matilda, who were also departing, found
him as insensible as the rest; though they did not spare the most
extravagant praises and the warmest professions of regard.

And now, the ceremonies of taking leave being over, and most of the
visitors departed, a sudden solitude seemed to have taken possession of
the house, which was lately the seat of noise, and bustle, and
festivity. Mr and Mrs Merton and Mr Barlow were left alone with Miss
Simmons and Tommy, and one or two others of the smaller gentry who had
not yet returned to their friends.

As Mr Barlow was not fond of cards, Mr Merton proposed, after the
tea-table was removed, that Miss Simmons, who was famous for reading
well, should entertain the company with some little tale or history
adapted to the comprehension even of the youngest. Miss Simmons excused
herself with the greatest modesty; but on Mrs Merton's joining in the
request, she instantly complied, and fetching down a book, read the
following story of

"SOPHRON AND TIGRANES."

"Sophron and Tigranes we