“You heard from the Colonel to-day, too, I believe,” continued the gentleman, turning to the lady who sat next to Emily.

“Yes, he is a very punctual correspondent; I hear every other day.”

“How is his uncle, Laura?” inquired her female companion.

“Rather better; but I will thank your grace to find the Marquess and Miss Howard.”

“Bring them to us,” rejoined the other.

“Yes,” said the former lady, with a laugh, “and Eltringham will thank you too, I dare say.”

In an instant the duke returned, accompanied by a gentleman of thirty and an elderly lady, who might have been safely taken for fifty without offence to anybody but herself.

During these speeches their auditors had listened with almost breathless interest.  Emily had stolen a glance which satisfied her it was not Denbigh himself and it greatly relieved her; but was startled at discovering that she was actually seated by the side of his young and lovely wife.  When an opportunity offered, she dwelt on the amiable, frank countenance of her rival with melancholy satisfaction:  at least, she thought, he may yet be happy, and I hope penitent.

It was a mixture of love and gratitude which prompted this wish, both sentiments not easily got rid of when once ingrafted in our better feelings.  John eyed the strangers with a displeasure for which he could not account at once, and saw, in the ancient lady, the bridesmaid Lord Henry had so unwillingly admitted to that distinction.

Lady Jarvis was astounded with her vicinity to so much nobility, and she drew back to her family to study its movements to advantage; while Lady Chatterton sighed heavily, as she contemplated the fine figures of an unmarried Duke and Marquess, and she without a single child to dispose of.  The remainder of the party continued to view them with curiosity, and listened with interest to what they said.

Two or three young ladies had now joined the strangers, attended by a couple of gentlemen, and the conversation became general.  The ladies declined dancing entirely, but appeared willing to throw away an hour in comments on their neighbors.

“William,” said one of the young ladies, “there is your old messmate, Col.  Egerton.”

“Yes, I observe him,” replied her brother, “I see him;” but, smiling significantly, he continued, “we are messmates no longer.”

“He is a sad character,” said the Marquess, with a shrug.  “William, I would advise you to be cautious of his acquaintance.”

“I thank you,” replied Lord William, “but I believe I understand him thoroughly.”

Jane manifested strong emotion during these remarks, while Sir Edward and his wife averted their faces from a simultaneous feeling of self-reproach.  Their eyes met, and mutual concessions were contained in the glance; yet their feelings were unnoticed by their companions, for over the fulfilment of her often repeated forewarnings of neglect and duty to our children, Mrs. Wilson had mourned in sincerity, but she had forgotten to triumph.