few streets through which she had to pass, were mostly private, but scarcely had she reached that in which her invalid friend resided, than in attempting to pass a crowd that had assembled for some purpose, she was accidentally thrown against a gentleman supported on crutches. Instantly recovering herself, she turned to apologise, when her veil being partly drawn aside by the movement, she perceived a hectic flush in the pale countenance of the stranger, who exclaimed emphatically, "charming girl!"
Rosilia started at the sound, some recollections of the past crossing her mind. Did those words signify mere gallantly? She could not so construe them, as the tenderness and benignity in the look and accent with which they were accompanied, expressed a sentiment too refined for mere common-place gallantry!
She judged rightly; the stranger was a British officer, recently wounded, and of a most interesting appearance. Though by the accident which threw Rosilia against him, he had but indistinctly viewed her countenance, he had seen sufficient to convey to his bosom a secret delight and satisfaction, from having excited the compassionate sympathy of a young and lovely female!
The next moment the crowd dispersed, and the stranger lost sight of her.
Rosilia reached the door of Mrs. Belmour in safety, and on knocking, was admitted by Melliphant himself! Pained at so unexpected a rencontre, sup-
