the recollection. It was some time before John Derrick returned to Stanmore, and by that time she had schooled herself to hide the deep offence which she had felt at his conduct. He was disposed to be as friendly with her as ever, and as every one spoke openly to him of his relations to Lady Eveline, he thought it was perhaps due to Miss Hope to explain the matter to her. To her he made light of his attachment, did not praise the beauty or the elegance of his betrothed, said she was rather young and shy, but would probably acquire confidence by-and-bye, and gave it to be understood that the young lady and her family had rather sought him out than been sought by him, for of course it was a capital chance for them, and the governor had taken up the idea very cordially, and they had settled the mater very summarily in the room which the Earl called most inappropriately his study. Miss Hope drew the conclusion that his attachment was not very profound, and she was prepared to dislike Lady Eveline and all the family unseen and unheard.
The promised visit to Stanmore was not paid so soon as expected; Lady Eveline had shrunk from it, and John did not press it. He enjoyed showing her to his friends and being congratulated on his choice, and receiving compli-
