“And you have resolved wisely, Miss Fitzhardinge!” exclaimed Charles. “Matrimony without sincere affection can afford no promise of happiness. But one so beautiful as yourself--impressed too with such sterling sentiments and harbouring such pure principles--oh, you will prove indeed a treasure to the man who is fortunate enough to secure your heart and hand!” “Again you compliment me, Mr. Hatfield,” said Perdita, looking down and blushing,--for even her very blushes she could command at pleasure. “In reference, however, to the observation you have just made, I should remark that I have never yet met with one of your sex whom I could comprehend fully and who could understand me. I admire openness, candour and sincerity,--that generous frankness, too, which at once establishes friendship and dissipates cold formality. For I believe that the trammels of ceremonial politeness positively spoil the heart,--tutoring it to curb its enthusiasm where enthusiasm would be so natural! I know not how to express myself clearly; but what I mean to imply is this--that I am a believer in the possibility of friendship at first sight----” “And of love at first sight also?” exclaimed Charles Hatfleld, in an impassioned tone. “Yes--and of love at first sight also,” repeated Perdita, again hanging down her head--again commanding a deep blush--and likewise speaking in a low, melting tone of deep emotion, as she drew a long sigh. “Was it that possibility of experiencing the feeling of friendship at first sight, which led you to accept my proposed services as an escort to the places of public amusement?” enquired Charles. “Wherefore do you seek thus to probe the secret feelings of my soul?” asked Perdita, turning upon him a look indicative of mingled pleasure and amazement. “Have I offended you by the question, charming lady?” exclaimed Charles. “Oh! I do not so readily take offence, Mr. Hatfield,” cried Perdita. “But--frank, candid, and ingenuous though I believe myself to be--I still have my little feelings of pride, and I could not think of making an avowal to a gentleman otherwise than as a reciprocity.” “Then were I to declare sincerely and solemnly--and on my honour as a man--that it was a sentiment of friendship, experienced at first sight and according to your own doctrine, which prompted me to offer my services as a _chaperon_,” said Charles, hastily and enthusiastically, “would you deign to answer my question?” “Such a declaration on your part, sir, would necessarily elicit--nay, demand some kind of a response on mine,” returned the artful beauty, looking down, and tapping the carpet with her foot in such a manner that her ankle peeped from beneath her dress, and the young man’s eyes could catch a glimpse of the exquisitely white skin through the net work of the dainty silk stocking. Charles hesitated: an avowal of friendship trembled on his tongue--but he thought how dangerous such a confession would be--he thought, too, of Lady Frances Ellingham!