My dear Madam,--The beauty and fascinations of your daughters--but more especially of the second--have conspired to inspire me with sentiments of respectful admiration, which may speedily become something warmer should I obtain the gratifying sensation of your approbation. Family, fortune, and future expectations, will I fancy, be found “all right.” Part of the estate entailed on the baronetcy; encumbrances, a trifle. I am, waiting your reply, dear madam, Very respectfully yours, Harvey Upton, ----Hussars. “Shall we write, Cary?” whispered Mrs. Kennyfeck, in the very faintest of tones. “Better not, mamma; a verbal 'happy to see Sir Harvey,' safer,” was the answer. Mrs. Kennyfeck yielded to the sager counsel, and the servant departed with the message. “We may leave the matter entirely with Livy, mamma,” said her sister, half sarcastically; “I opine that innocence, upon the present occasion, will carry the day.” “I am glad of it,” said Mrs. Kennyfeck; “I am fatigued and out of spirits: I 'd rather not receive visitors.” “A white frock and a little sentiment,--a sprig of jessamine and a bit of poetry!” said Miss K., as she arranged her hair at the glass; “only don't overdo it, Livy.” “I 'd much rather you 'd not go!” said Olivia, languidly. “Of course, my dear, we are perfectly aware of that; but we have our duties also. Mamma must take care that Aunt Fanny does not 'give you away' before you 're asked for; and I must see what the result of papa's interview with Cashel may be, lest you should make a bad market while a good bid is being offered.” “Clever creature!” murmured Mrs. Kennyfeck, as she rose to leave the room. “It will seem so odd, mamma, that I'm to receive him, alone!” “Not at all, Livy; we are packing up to go off: there are the trunks and cap-cases all strewn about. You can be engaged with Frances, and send her to summon us when Sir Harvey comes,” said Miss Kennyfeck. “Just so, my dear; and then you 'll entreat of him to sit down,--all as if you had heard nothing of his note; you 'll be quite lively and natural in your manner.” “Ah, mamma, remember what Talleyrand said to the Emperor: 'Give me the instructions, sire, but leave the knavery to myself.' My sweet sister is quite diplomatic enough to re-echo it.” Livy looked reproachfully at her, but said nothing. “If I discover, my dear, that the high prize is on your ticket, I 'll wear a handkerchief round my neck. Without you see this emblem, don't discard your baronet.” “Mamma, is this quite fair?” said Olivia. “Cary speaks as if my heart had no possible concern in the matter.” “Quite the reverse, my dear; but bear in mind that you have only one heart, and it would not be altogether discreet to give it away to two parties. Cary is always right, my love, in morals as in everything else!”