she want?" said Mrs. Denys, after her de parture. Oh, she likes gossiping; that's all," observed Flora, carelessly, and then, in her turn, went into a reverie about Astley and his uncle. CHAPTER VII. Yet we mark it not; fruits redden, Fresh flowers blow, as flowers have blown, And the heart is loth to deaden Hopes that she so long has known. Be thou wiser, Youthful Maiden, WORDSWORTH. "I HAVE a plan," said Mrs. Woodbridge at dinner the same day. "I want to see the view from the Beacon by moonlight; VOL. I. K and, of course, I want companions. Miss Denys, will you go with me?" "Oh, yes!" exclaimed Flora; "I should like it very much. The moon has been glorious for the last week.” "A sure token that she will be cloudy to-night," observed Mr. Clarke. "Do not throw cold water on my little scheme, if you please," said Mrs. Woodbridge. "Who else shall we ask-Mrs. Newton ?" "You will not get her away from her husband at that time," remarked Hamilton. "I am afraid not. Miss Grant, you will join our party?" said Mrs. Woodbridge, again. "It will be charming. I delight in a walk by moonlight," replied Louisa. "And if you want a sympathizing and poetical companion," observed Hamilton, "invite the Miss Carden who can walk. Do you know her ?" "Not at all. Shall I ask her on trust?" "Take her on my word," said he; "and then allow me to observe, my dear madam, you will be surrounded by your appropriate attendants, the three Graces personified." The rich Irish brogue in which Hamilton rolled out these words, and the smile he put on, were so absurd an imitation of Mr. Malone's voice and manner, that no one could help laughing, being all the more amused, because such a speech from Mr. Hamilton was totally unexpected, and the very reverse of his usual habits. 66 Why, Hamilton, you have turned over a very new leaf indeed," exclaimed Mr. Clarke, in amazement, "where did you dig up your talent for mimicry ?" "Never mind, my good friend, I am not going to poach much on your manor," answered Hamilton, "so you need have no jealousy." "But I doubt whether the etiquette of Olympus would permit Venus, and her female attendants, to walk about at night without an escort of guards," said Mrs. Woodbridge, "therefore I must raise a body of volunteers, to attend us on our excursion. Who will enrol themselves ?" "What is your standard for height," inquired Mr. Clarke, "would you enlist me?" 'Yes, as my standard is not a very high one, I think that might be possible." "And me?" said Mr. Hamilton. Absurd, Hamilton," interposed Clarke, can you suppose you will be admitted in the same corps-de-garde as myself?" "It is for Mrs. Woodbridge to decide," was Hamilton's observation. |