MISS HILDRETH. A Novel. BY A. DE GRASSE STEVENS, AUTHOR OF "OLD BOSTON," "THE LOST DAUPHIN," "WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE," ETC. In Three Volumes. VOL. I. LONDON: WARD AND DOWNEY, 12, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 1888. [_All rights reserved._] _Copyright by_ A. de GRASSE STEVENS, 1888. TO MY ONLY SISTER, MRS. FRANK H. EVANS, I Dedicate this Book. Dreams, books are each a world; and books we know Are a substantial world, both pure and good; Round these, with tendrils strong as flesh and blood, Our pastime and our happiness will grow. WORDSWORTH. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. A LETTER 1 CHAPTER II. THE FOLLY 22 CHAPTER III. "THE SINS OF THE FATHERS" 41 CHAPTER IV. A FAIR PARLIAMENT 51 CHAPTER V. SENTIMENT AND "BACCY" 66 CHAPTER VI. STAGE-STRUCK 82 CHAPTER VII. DANGER AHEAD 101 CHAPTER VIII. AN ARRIVAL AND A MEETING 123 CHAPTER IX. THE IMPERIAL CHANCELLERIE 152 CHAPTER X. A COURT FAVOURITE 176 CHAPTER XI. A WOMAN SCORNED 204 CHAPTER XII. A PINK BILLET-DOUX 227 CHAPTER XIII. IN THE HAZEL COPSE 253 MISS HILDRETH. CHAPTER I. A LETTER. "THE RED HOUSE, "Benton's Station, New Hampshire, "_April, 188--_. "MY FRIEND,