Affrighted by this suggestion, Ellis, who then perceived Lord Melbury from the window, ran herself, after the housekeeper, to the door, and eagerly exclaimed, as he dismounted, O, My Lord, I hope no accident—"

"None!" cried he, "flying to her," and taking and kissing both her hands, and drawing, rather than leading, her back to the parlour, "none!—or if any there were,—what could be the accident that concern so bewitching would not recompense?"

Ellis felt amazed. Lord Melbury had never addressed her before in any tone of gallantry; had never kissed, never touched her hand; yet now, he would scarcely suffer her to withdraw it from his ardent grasp.

"But, My Lord," said Mrs. Greaves, who followed them in, "pray let me ask Your Lordship about my Lady, and My Lady Aurora, and how—"

"They are perfectly well," cried he, hastily, "and gone on. I am ridden