The air was well chosen, being a noisy one, and consequently imposing no check upon con+ versation. Soft plaintive airs are decidedly most prejudicial to the interests of general society. They produce attention, spread an awful sense of decorum over the company, and lull them gradually into silence. They are a shameful infringement upon the liberty of the tongue-whereas nobody is afraid to chatter under the cover of a spirited bravura.

The music had caused a movement in the room. Those who were tired of their neighbours took advantage of the opportunity to change their places; and among these was Agnes. Lacy was attentive to the opportunity which these new arrangements might give him. He saw a vacant seat by the side of that which Agnes had taken, and he immediately occupied it.

"I am sorry," said he, lowering his voice so as to be heard only by her, "not to have had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Morton since our

meeting at the election. I hope he knows that I took the liberty of calling upon him

twice."

"My father knows it," replied Agnes; "and if he has not acknowledged your civility, I hope you can excuse him. You know our present circumstances-I need not try to disguise them -they have depressed him a good deal, and made him rather averse to society, and less attentive to form than before."

"I can easily imagine it," said Lacy; "but I hope you will not think that I was induced to speak by any foolish stickling for ceremony. Pray, if you can, give Mr. Morton to understand that I shall not wish to draw him into any sort of return. Perhaps I ought to apologize for having ventured to intrude; but we met last as opponents. It was that circumstance which made me anxious to see him."

"Had you, then, reason to suppose that he would bear you any ill will?" said Agnes.

"God forbid!" replied Lacy; "nor do I

see any foundation for such an idea. The contest was conducted with as little warmth as was possible; and we shook hands on the day of our last meeting. But still, we were opponents; and, having so met, I was desirous of seeing him again. Do not, however, suppose that I am inclined to press it. Only tell me that you think a visit would be considered intrusive, and I will abstain for the future."

Agnes looked perplexed.

you

"I am not authorized," said she, "to tell any thing of the kind; but I hope you will not be offended if I give you my own impressions. They are, that my father, under present circumstances, nad rather not see you. He scarcely allows himself to be visible to any but his particular friends,"

She turned away her head after she had said this, as if wishing to put a stop to the conversation; and presently rose and walked to the instrument. She soon afterwards made her departure, without having afforded Lacy any

further opportunity of addressing her; and he himself, having then lost the only object which made the party tolerable to him, presently followed her example.

CHAPTER VIII.

True virtue is like precious odours-sweeter the more incensed and crushed.

BACON.

LACY felt, with sorrow, that his former, and now hopeless, attachment to Agnes, was strongly awakened by the past interview. He had seen her in a new point of view, and one in which she was especially calculated to interest his feelings. He looked back to the period when she first won his affections. He remembered how the brilliant fascination of her beauty had been heightened by the elegant vivacity of her manners, and the playful spirit of her conversation. These were now absent; but, in their place, there was a dignified, yet plaintive composure, a