"I am truly so" he replied; "and should rejoice were it in my power to serve her, or promote her happiness."
Mrs. Melbourne sighed deeply, and in a low and deep tone continued: "Since we have gone so far, I cannot forbear telling you, that it is in your power to promote her happiness."
Douglas started; the colour heightened and faded on his cheek. Her looks—the equivocal expressions she had made use of—what did they mean to convey?
"Forgive my indiscretion," said Mrs. Melbourne, in her turn deeply reddening, "my great inadvertency, in having thus betrayed Ellina's secret, her long and unrequited attachment, of which all have been ignorant, myself excepted. She would be still more unhappy, the most miserable of human creatures, did she know what I have done! and Colonel Melbourne would be extremely displeased. I forcibly see my error. I have pained your feelings beyond redress: you have no affections to offer Ellina. I pray you to forgive me, and bury this unpremeditated disclosure in eternal secrecy. As a man of honour, I know you will."
The door at this moment opening, Ellina herself made her appearance. Blushing, and confused, she would have retired, but Douglas in-
