now led to intrude the disclosure of my rivalship in this affair upon your attention."
"Most willingly will I lend you my assistance to defeat him," said she, with asperity; "but how, how can my interference prove of efficacy in promoting your wishes?"
"By the most simple and easy means—that of first becoming acquainted with the parents of his flame, General De Brooke and his lady; an introduction will not be difficult to bring about; and they will form a most eligible acquisition to your delightful parties!"
Flattered by the compliment, and emulous of the novelty arising from an extension of the circle she visited, Mrs. Belmour expressed herself desirous of coinciding as soon as possible with the arrangement.
"But," said she, with some hesitation, "you have not told me how far Sir Howard is a favoured rival."
"Not with the daughter, in the least degree," returned he, "as I before said; my fears rest wholly with regard to how far she may allow herself to be influenced by her parents. Having in myself no pretensions to come openly forward, as also, the want of opportunity for insinuating myself, are the causes, my dear Mrs. Belmour, which urge me to rely upon your friendship. At the same time, I would hint, that in all our proceedings the greatest caution and circumspection must be observed; and that every means employed should be in entire subserviency and conformity with the character and temper of her to-
