The ivory ticket to the Opera was in constant requisition. Markham offered it to Mr. Henderson that he might accompany his daughter; but Miss Henderson generally so contrived that something prevented pa from going, and then there was no alternative but Markham must go himself. Unfortunately, Miss Henderson was acquainted with the Italian language, so also was Markham. And notwithstanding the publicity of the situation, Miss Henderson would never spare Markham's blushes when any expression of peculiar tenderness or pathos occurred. The young lady's figure, though not very striking or unusual, was yet so set off by dress as to be rather particular. Her means did not keep pace with her appetite for dress; and as she could never spare one single article of finery, she generally carried her whole stock of decoration about her person every time she went to the Opera. In a very short time she was known and remarked for the singularity of being so very fine, and always appearing with the same finery. Some of Markham's acquaintance who were by birth and connexion a grade or two above him, but who respected him for his good-humor and talents, would occasionally join him, and look very strangely and inquiringly on the young lady who accompanied him. Sometimes they would banter him on the loss of his heart; but it was so gently done, that he, unconscious of such loss, would not understand the allusion. As Horatio had been first attracted to Mr. Henderson's chapel by the fame of his eloquence, and had thus been led into an acquaintance with the family, and as Miss Henderson generally contrived to procure frequent visits to the house, and as Markham had not much time to spare, it came to pass that he very seldom went to any other house than to Mr. Henderson's. As also, Miss Henderson had made up her mind that nobody but herself could be a proper and fit companion for Markham, and that nobody but Markham could be a proper and fit companion for herself; it so happened, that Mr. Markham and Miss Henderson were much more frequently together than the poor young man was aware of: thereupon, very naturally, the subject began to be talked of by their respective friends and acquaintance. Every body said that it would be a most excellent match for Miss Henderson; and the parents of the young lady received the congratulations of their friends and neighbours on the fine prospect that was opening in the projected marriage of their daughter with a young gentleman of such promising talents, and honored with such high patronage as Markham.