arm of the Viscountess with a low bow, and singing with ludicrous tone and gesture, "_Dove sei amato bene_," advanced to Miss Seymour, who, half dragged, half led, was re-conducted to the music-room. But the feeling which had supported her in her last effort was now no more. The duet, of which Mademoiselle Omphalie had loudly boasted, was to commence, and Selina exerted herself to the utmost in its execution; but her voice faltered, and before she got half way through it, she burst into tears. Her distress, which was thus evidently unfeigned, now made her nearly as many friends as her charms had before procured her admirers; while Lady Eltondale easily persuaded every body except herself, that it could only arise from timidity, and therefore forbore to join the general request that the effort might be renewed; while Sir James exclaimed, in all the hyperbole of compliment, "Sweet harmonist, and beautiful as sweet, And young as beautiful, and soft as young!" Meantime Lord. Osselstone had advanced towards Selina, and there was always something so dignified in his appearance, that those who did not know him involuntarily made way for him; and all those who were acquainted with him did so mechanically. He at first addressed the trembling girl in the language of compliment, but finding her real agitation was not to be soothed by the sovereign balm of flattery, he gradually turned the conversation on Mrs. Galton. Her eyes then beamed with gratitude for his praise, which she believed could not then be insincere; and in her tell-tale countenance and artless expressions, he read a heart not yet practised in the world's wiles. The company began to separate before their conversation ended; and as Selina, on her wakeful pillow, recalled to her mind this evening of promised pleasure, she sighed to think, that those few calm moments she had passed with Lord Osselstone were the only ones, on which she could reflect with any tranquillity. CHAPTER V. What whispers must the beauty hear! What hourly nonsense haunts her ear! Where'er her eyes dispense their charms, Impertinence around her swarms. GAY.