was certain it was too late-Sidney thought otherwise; and penning one from which he hoped much, he bade him go the office, justly concluding that a circumstance so interesting, and for which he had inclosed so ample a douceur, would not fail to gain admittance. The advertisement ran thus.

"If the gentleman who, on the 21st of this month, had an interview with a baronet, at his seat in shire, will favour him with his address, his son, who is now in London at the desire of his father, and for the express purpose of attending to the interest of their visitor, has full power, and every disposition to rectify the mistake which occurred at their last meeting. The subsequent circumstances which attended the stranger's departure and journey are perfectly known to the advertiser, whose interest is proportionably increased. More effectual means might be used in the present case; but the advertiser relies upon the candour and generosity of the stranger, whom it is almost unnecessary to remind that

14

that age is a precarious season of life, and consequently not to be trifled with.-An answer will be expected without delay, addressed to A. B. Stephenson's hotel, Bondstreet.-London, May 23.”

This arrangement seemed a step towards information. The night was far advanced; it had struck twelve. Though fatigued by his journey, our hero felt no disposition to sleep. It was not possible that any intelligence could be acquired at that hour, more especially in a case so void of a clue; yet he was irresistibly impelled to watch. the midnight hour.

Those usual sources of delight and relaxation which the intelligent mind embraces, in meditation as in books, seemed now to offer no sort of tranquillity to the mind of Sidney. He saw in the countenance of his servant an evident anxiety to be relieved from his attendance.

The street was now filling with carriages; he heard them rattle in succession towards Grosvenor-square. Inquiring of Hall what

particular

particular parties were in the neighbourhood, he was informed that there was a concert a few doors from his own residence, and that lady Morbury saw masks in Gros"I believe there is a ticket

venor-square.

for

Bring it," said Wentworth, "and all letters or cards which have been left during my absence."

Hall produced a handful of cards, and two or three notes, one of which was from Mrs. Marnley, who, though assured of our hero's absence, could not resist addressing a few lines that should meet him on the instant of his arrival. The purport of this waiting messenger of lurking love was to apprize Mr. Wentworth that the prudent widow had made a little excursion to the villa of a friend, whose name was mentioned; and further it explained, that she had made an addition to her establishment, which she had not time to explain; but she hoped it would meet the approbation of Mr. Wentworth, when she assured him

it was strictly in compliance with her ideas of decorum..

Sidney smiled as he glanced on the ter minating expression, and secretly he wondered if she had actually owned a motive so praiseworthy. He knew she was apt to form erroneous opinions, and to act upon them; but unless they were injurious to her fortune, he should have no right to interpose, nor any inclination to be led into controversy.

Amongst other cards, that of lady Morbury met the eyes of Sidney. He instantly resolved upon attending the party. More than one reason presented itself. First, it would beguile the time; secondly, he saw that his absence would be highly acceptable to the anxious Mr. Hall; and thirdly, her ladyship's parties were always very good, viz. they were fully attended, and her niece, the only child and heiress of the earl of Arlingham, was a very lovely young woman. It is true, the vivacity of lady Anna was sometimes oppressive; yet, at this moment,

ment, Wentworth thought it would have quite a contrary effect. In fact, he felt unequal to rousing his languid spirits himself; and he trusted to the adventitious aids of dissipation to effect it for him.

Making the necessary alteration in his appearance, and equipped in a mask and domino, our hero issued forth on foot to join the motley group. As he descended the steps, a hackney-coach, in which there appeared to be a full fare, drew up; and he discovered in his egress that the expect ed supper visitors were a party from Vauxhall, who had purposed to honour his board with their presence. Wentworth left them to their enjoyment, and proceeded towards the mansion of lady Morbury.

The night was sultry, yet fine; the stars were nearly obscured by the artificial glare which the flambeaux and whirling carriages flashed in contrary directions. Sidney paused at a short distance from the house, and his ardent imagination contrasted this