leading stars and centre of attraction on such occasions, resolved not to attend the grand fête, or took but little interest in its attractions, although they withheld as yet their antipathy to the occasion. These three were the two Stuarts and our heroine, Bella.
Mr. McKay was puzzled at the conduct of his daughter, and her indifference to the coming event, when on every other lively occasion she invariably manifested great delight. One evening he rallied her, and set forth in glowing terms the fashionable attractions and amusements she would meet with at the castle; and above all, dancing, as formerly, with her old partner Charlie Stuart, whom he declared was grown a fine young man.
Bella blushed deeply on hearing her young neighbour's praises from the lips of her parent, but instantly remarked seriously, that she would far prefer remaining at home; and as for Charlie Stuart, she did not think he would attend either.
This unconscious betrayal of her feelings and opinion still more surprised her parent, who was unable to unravel the mystery.
Being now Mr. Stuart's successor in the factorship, and sole manager of the coming fête, and also the person entrusted for issuing invitations, he therefore thought proper to visit his neighbour personally, in order to remove any unpleasant effects which his appointment might create, or any prejudices which Mr. Stuart might entertain against the new proprietor.
On making his visit, Mr. McKay set forth in glowing terms Lord Lundy's many wise and excellent qualities, which he had no doubt, would greatly benefit the estate and the tenantry at large, and concluded by giving Mr. Stuart and his son a pressing invitation to the grand banquet which his Lordship's bountiful liberality offered them all.
Mr Stuart excused himself by saying "that he was growing too old to care about such entertainments, especially when the rightful proprietor was not to be the host, but with regard to Charlie, that he could go, of course, if he chose." His son at once interrupted him by remarking, "that he had no idea of attending, whether his parent did so or not."
