guests, who had persuaded the good-natured Squire to forget his gout, and venture forth to look at the illuminations. Her party was soon joined by others, and the group gradually thickened into a crowd; the throng was stationary for a few minutes before a little temple, in which fireworks had just commenced an additional attraction to the scene. Opposite to this temple, as well as in its rear, the walks and trees had been purposely left in comparative darkness, in order to heighten the effect of the fireworks.
"I declare," said Lady Simper, glancing down one of the alleys which seemed to stretch away into blackness—"I declare that seems quite a lover's walk! how kind in Lord Mauleverer!—such a delicate attention—"
"To your Ladyship!" added Mr. Shrewd, with a bow.
While, one of this crowd, Lucy was vacantly eyeing the long trains of light which ever and anon shot against the sky, she felt her hand suddenly seized, and at the same instant a voice whispered
