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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
239


"Ah!" exclaimed the Italian, raising the softest dark eyes that I ever saw, " you speak of the love in crowds and cities, made up of falsehood and vanity, not of that high and holy passion, sent to elevate and redeem our nature—the religion of the heart."

There was something about the youthful artist that interested me exceedingly. I must ask her to take my likeness for you. Painted by one so enthusiastic, it will come less surrounded by the vanities and follies of my present life. I never feel the value of affection so much as when I think of yours; nor its want, but when I look at my own home.

Well, I sometimes think that I should be glad to quarrel with Lord Marchmont, even like the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough: it would show that we cared for each other. But I must write something else than these vague fantasies: and now for their very antipodes, Mr. Congreve. He is not bad-looking, and dresses to desperation; with a peculiarly soft and flattering manner. He seems to be witty against his will; and if, by some sally