in whom I expect you to take a most peculiar interest."
Ethel shook her head, but said nothing; but her grandmother, who wished to be questioned, went on, as if it were a token of assent.
"And a very handsome young man he is. Perhaps, child, I ought not to say any thing about it; but I have never kept you back like most young women."
Ethel, by the by, had never, in the whole course of her life, ventured on offering an opinion in her grandmother's presence.
"Besides, as I wish you to look your best, I may as well tell you, that Mr. Trevanion is coming here to fulfil his part in the contract of marriage which passed between your parents when you were both children."
Certainly Mrs. Churchill's plan, for her grandaughter to look the best, was any thing but efficacious, in the first instance; for Ethel sank back, pale, and almost fainting.
"Why, what is the matter with the child?" exclaimed the old lady; "there is nothing so very
