Major Carlen went away, and Blanche entered. She took her seat by the fire, and as Mr. Ravensworth gazed down upon her, a feeling of deep regret and pity came over him. Shame! thought he, to sacrifice her to Level. For in truth that nobleman's name was not in the best odour, and Arnold Ravensworth was a man of strict notions. It has been asserted that some natures possess an affinity the one for the other; are irresistibly drawn together in the repose of full and perfect confidence. It is a mysterious affinity, not born of _love_: and it may be experienced by two men or women who have outlived even the remembrance of the passion. Had Blanche Heriot been offered to Arnold Ravensworth, he would have declined her, for he loved another, and she had as much idea of loving the man in the moon as of loving him. Nevertheless, that never-dying, unfathomable part of them, the spirit, was attracted, like finding like. Between such, there can be little reserve. "What unexpected changes take place, Blanche!" "Do not blame me," she replied, with a rising colour, her tone sinking to a whisper. "My father says it is right, and I obey him." "I hope you like Lord Level?" "Better than I liked someone else," was her answer, as she looked into the fire. "At first the--the change frightened me. It did not seem right, and it was so very sudden. But I am getting over that feeling now. Papa says he is very good." Papa says he is very good! The old hypocrite of a Major! thought Mr. Ravensworth. But it was not his place to tell her that Lord Level had not been very good. "Oh, Blanche!" he exclaimed, "I hope you will be happy! Is it to be soon?" "Yes, they say so. As soon, I think, as the settlements can be ready. Papa sent to-day to hurry on my wedding things. Lord Level is going abroad immediately, and wishes to take me with him." "They say so!" was his mental repetition. "This poor child, brought up in the innocence of her simple country home, more childish, more tractable and obedient, more inexperienced than are those of less years who have lived in the world, is as a puppet in their hands. But the awakening will come." "You are going?" said Blanche, as he rose. "Will you not stay and take tea? Mrs. Guy will be down soon." "Not this evening. Hark! here is the Major back again." "I do not think it is papa's step," returned Blanche, bending her ear to listen. It was not. As she spoke, the door was thrown open by the servant. "Lord Level." Lord Level entered, and took the hand which Mr. Ravensworth released. Mr. Ravensworth looked full at the peer as he passed him: they were not acquainted. A handsome man, with a somewhat free expression--a countenance that Mr. Ravensworth took forthwith a prejudice against, perhaps unjustly. "Who's that, Blanche?" he heard him say as the servant closed the door.