pleaders said much in that second.

"I have suffered much," he said; "my heart is not very strong--I was
deceived--I could not----"

And Mowbray would have said something still more significant of his
feelings, but for his companion's presence of mind. She observed, with
womanly tact, that a number of eyes were fixed upon them, and adroitly
diverted the conversation from the dangerous direction it was taking.

"I do not see Charles," she said, laughing and blushing; "did you not
say he promised to be here?"

"Yes," murmured Mowbray.

"He's a great idler, but I love him very much," she said, laughing.
"Tell me, Mr. Mowbray, as a friend--you know him well--could I find a
better husband?"

Mowbray colored.

"He has a noble heart," he said; "do I understand that----"

"I love him! Yes, I cannot deny it truly; and why should I not make
him happy?--for he loves me sincerely."

Mowbray felt his heart sink. Then that new-born hope was doomed to
disappointment--that fancy was all folly! His miseries would be only
deeper for the brief taste of happiness. He could not reply; he only
muttered some inarticulate words, which Philippa did not seem to hear.

"I will decide finally on the day of the party at Shadynook," she
said, smiling; "and now let us leave the subject. But do not forget to
tell me when Charles enters," she added, laughing.

Poor Mowbray! he felt his heart oppressed with a new and more bitter
emotion. The company thought him happy in exclusive possession of the
lovely girl's society--his side was pierced with a cruel, rankling
thorn.

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE LAST CHANCE OF JACQUES.

While Mowbray and Philippa were holding their singular colloquy in one
portion of the laughing and animated crowd, our friend Sir Asinus,
with that perseverance which characterized his great intellect, was
endeavoring to make an impression on the heart of the maiden of his
love. But it was all in vain.

In vain did Sir Asinus dance minuets without number, execute bows
beyond example--the little maiden obstinately persisted in bestowing
her smiles on her companion, Bathurst.

That young gentleman finally bore her off triumphantly on his arm.

Sir Asinus stood still for a moment, then sent these remarkable words
after the little damsel:

"You have crushed a faithful heart--you have spurned a deep affection,
beautiful and fascinating maiden. Inured to female charms, and weary
of philosophy, I found in thee the ide