Quincy, were the hacknied phrases which proceeded from the lips of every man of fashion. I am now old enough to speak with frankness of those days in which I was myself playing a conspicuous part; more especially as my present feelings and opinions are so utterly at variance with what I then experienced, that my past and present self almost appear as two separate individuals. I will, therefore, admit that the ipse-dixit of the world was by no means false or exaggerated. My wealth and rank were scarcely less incontestible than my beauty and my powers of pleasing.

"I need scarcely, after this avowal, tell you that I received as many proposals of marriage as might have satisfied even the vain woman I then was. They were all rejected without hesitation, until one appeared, inferior in rank, inferior in wealth, to many

I had discarded; but how vastly superior in heart, in mind, in intellect, to all and every one who had hitherto approached me!"

Lady de Quincy paused-memory, even at that remote period, seemed to overpower her. When she spoke again, she said, "Ellen! we will call this individual by his christian name, which was Edward. His family name and title, it were perhaps better not to betray. He must therefore be known to you only as Lord Edward. I will not attempt to describe the delight with which I found myself beloved by this nobleman, my acceptance of whose suit strangely discomposed even my passive guardian. I, who had a right to aspire to the highest rank-I, who had twice refused to become a Duchess, how could I reconcile it to my pride to marry a man whose social position was considerably inferior to my own? At that moment I loved too fondly and too honestly to make the reflection which this

speech would otherwise have aroused. By marrying Lord Edward, I should not lose the name which it gratified my pride to bear in my own right, and which reflection would certainly not have appeared to me as a disadvantage. My guardian went so far as to entreat an audience of the Prince Regent, and to beseech His Royal Highness to counsel me on the imprudent step I seemed determined to take. Ever the kindest and most amiable, as well as the best bred man, the most finished gentleman of his day, the Prince Regent would not refuse this first request made to him by an old and faithful servant, though, as he was afterwards graciously pleased to assure me, he could not, without pain to himself, discharge the debt due to friendship, at the expense of incurring my displeasure.

"If,' said I, in answer to all his well-turned and flattering arguments respecting my birth and surpassing loveliness-'if your Royal High

ness can find one word of blame to attach to Lord Edward-can fix one act on him which should disincline a woman's heart to grant him the love and admiration his manners and appearance excite; nay, more-if among the nobles who are honoured by your Royal Highness's notice, any one does really appear to your unbiassed and candid judgment to excel Lord Edward in any noble quality of heart or mind--my respect for that opinion, joined to a feeling of dutiful attachment, will make me pause, till time shall have convinced your Royal Highness, that the wisest judgment may be in error.'

"Dear Lady de Quincy,' said the Prince, as he raised the hand which had rested in his during our conversation, to his lips, 'I honour your frankness, and were envy permitted me, I might add, that I envy Lord Edward the possession of so firm and so gentle an advocate. From my soul, do I believe him worthy

of it; but will you not make some sacrifice to your guardian's wishes and scruples? will you not also grant me a favour?-will you not gratify me by delaying to make your engagement public till after the Royal visitors, who are coming among us, have taken their departure? It shall be my care as well as my pride to show them one of the brightest and worthiest subjects for their admiration, by requesting Lady de Quincy to be present at all our fêtes.' Such a request from royal lips, and so gallantly urged, what was it but a command? And yet, fluttered and flattered as I was by this respect and adulation, in humbly signifying my grateful acquiescence, I felt a pang at my heart ominous of ill. Alas! why was it so carelessly discarded and replaced by a forced smile? Ellen! here let me pause. It is like looking back on a green pasture through a sandy desert. Till then, I was worthyYes! I may say that I was fully worthy of