Such were his lordship's intentions, but they were frustrated by the manner in which Penelope spoke, and by the decision with which she proposed to cast herself on the patronage of the Countess, and to adopt the profession so earnestly recommended by her ladyship. Lord Spoonbill to this proposal replied, that the Countess would be most happy to afford Miss Primrose all the assistance in her power; and his lordship was also pleased to say, that this resolution would contribute very essentially to increase the attractions of Lady Smatterton's parties. Penelope sighed and almost shuddered at the thought; but, as the effort was made for the sake of her father, she subdued or concealed her reluctance. It was of course understood by his lordship, that this resolution of the young lady arose from the loss which her father had experienced; it was therefore very natural that some expressions of sympathy and concern should be used on the occasion by the hereditary legislator. These expressions were gratefully received by Penelope, though her language of acknowledgment was only the language of looks and imperfectly suppressed tears. Lord Spoonbill interpreted this emotion as an omen in his favour; and he was tempted by his evil genius to say something farther in allusion to the prohibited topic. He was greatly and agreeably surprised to hear no express and hasty interruption; and fearful lest this silence should proceed only from abstraction of mind, he went on to speak more decidedly and less equivocally concerning his attachment to the young lady. Penelope gave symptoms of understanding his lordship, but shewed no decided or obvious marks of disapprobation. There seemed to be, and there certainly was, a strong conflict in her mind. She had not, indeed, ceased to think tenderly and affectionately of Robert Darnley; but she had nearly, if not altogether, ceased to hope. The conflict in her mind was between her affection for her father and her indifference to Lord Spoonbill. We will not say that her vanity was not flattered by the apparent offer of so splendid an alliance. It perhaps influenced her as little as it would influence any one; but when the mind is just recovering from the pains and mortifications of a first disappointment, it is mightily indifferent to matters of sentiment. The very loss of a first love is of itself so great an affliction, that it appears as if no condition of being could render the affliction greater.