There was another subject on which, by the advice of Annie, Caroline carefully refrained from speaking at home, and that was Lord Alphingham, a handsome and elegant viscount, who it may be remembered had been mentioned in Annie’s conversation with Miss Malison; and yet it would appear strange that such was Miss Grahame’s counsel, when Mr. Hamilton frequently spoke of the viscount with every mark of approbation due to his public conduct; of his private little was known, and still less inquired.  He was famous in the Upper House—­an animated and eloquent speaker—­seconding and aiding with powerful influence all Grahame’s endeavours in the Lower House, and rendering himself to the latter a most able and influential friend.  His brilliant qualities, both as a member of parliament and of polite society, rendered him universally courted; yet notwithstanding this, Mr. Hamilton had never invited him to his house.

“His public character, as far at least as it meets our eye, is unquestionably worthy of admiration,” he had said one day to his wife, “but I know nothing more; of his private character and conduct I am and must remain ignorant, and therefore I will not expose my children to the fascination of his society in the intimacy of home.”

Mrs. Hamilton had agreed with him, but it required not the “intimacy of home” to give Annie an opportunity of persuading Caroline towards secretly accepting his attentions, and making an impression in his favour on her heart; and the latter looked to her entree with the more pleasure, as she hoped, and with some justice, it would give her many more opportunities of meeting him than she now enjoyed.  She saw before her, in imagination, a long train of captives whom she would enslave, still Lord Alphingham in all stood pre-eminent; and visions of varied nature, but all equally brilliant, floated before her eyes, as she prepared for the grand ball which, for the first time in her life, she was about to join.

The business of the toilette was completed, and we might forgive the proud smile of exultation which curled round her lip, as she gazed on the large pier glass which reflected her whole figure.  The graceful folds of the rich white silk that formed her robe suited well with the tall and commanding form they encircled.  The radiant clasp of diamonds securing the braid of pearls which twined the dark glossy hair, glittered with unusual brilliancy on that noble yet haughty brow, and heightened the dazzling beauty of her countenance.  The dark eyes sparkling with animation, her cheek possessing the rose of buoyant youth and health, the Grecian nose, the lip, which even pride could not rob of its beauty, all combined to form a face lovely indeed.  Fanny had gazed and admired her young lady with suppressed exclamations of delight, which were strangely at variance with the sigh that at that instant sounded on Caroline’s ear; she turned hastily and beheld her mother, who was gazing on her