The change in Lucinda's countenance and manner was now so obvious that several of her friends asked her if she was ill. To these questions she answered in the negative: but her cheeks grew paler, and the tears sprang to her eyes. Miss Delwin now approached, and said to her in a low voice--"My dear Lucinda, I perceive that you are suffering under some _contre-tems_; but such things, you know, are always incidental to balls, and all other assemblages where every one expects unqualified delight. We should be prepared for these contingencies, and when they do occur, the only alternative is to try to pass them over as well as we can, by making an effort to rally our spirits so as to get through the remainder of the evening with apparent composure, or else to plead indisposition and go home. Which course will you take?" "Oh! how gladly would I retire!" exclaimed Lucinda, scarcely able to restrain her tears. "But were I to do so, there are persons who might put strange constructions--or rather the company might be induced to make invidious remarks--" "By no means," interrupted Miss Delwin. "A lady may at any time be overcome with the heat and fatigue of a ball-room--nothing is more common." "But," said Lucinda, "were I to leave the company--were I to appear as if unable to stay--were I to evince so much emotion--he would, indeed, suppose me in earnest." "He!" cried Miss Delwin, looking surprised. "Of whom are you speaking, dear Lucinda? Who is it that would suppose you in earnest?" "No matter," replied Lucinda, "I spoke inadvertently; I forgot myself; I knew not what I was saying." "Dearest Lucinda," exclaimed Miss Delwin, "I am extremely sorry to find you so discomposed. What can have happened? At a more convenient time, may I hope that you will tell me?" "Oh! no, no," replied Lucinda, "it is impossible. I cannot speak of it even to you. Ask me no further. I am distressed, humiliated, shocked at myself (and she covered her face with her hands). But I cannot talk about it, now or ever." "Lucinda, my dear Lucinda," said Miss Delwin, "your agitation will be observed." "Then I must endeavour to suppress it," replied Lucinda, starting up. "I _must_ stay till this unfortunate ball is over; my going home would seem too pointed." "Let me then intreat you, my dear girl," said Miss Delwin, "to exert yourself to appear as usual. Come, take my arm, and we will go and talk nonsense to Apesley Sappington." Lucinda did make an effort to resume her usual vivacity. But it was evidently forced. She relapsed continually: and she resembled an actress that is one moment playing with her wonted spirit, and the next moment forgetting her part. "So," said Colonel Kingswood to Fitzsimmons, after Lucinda had left them together, "I am to infer that you are are really in love with Miss Mandeville?"