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EVELINA.

he, (undaunted,) "you will honour me with your approbation; but while I am yet unknown to you, it would be truly generous in you to countenance me; and, I flatter myself, Madam, that you will not have cause to repent it."

Mrs. Mirvan, with an embarrassed air, replied, "I do not at all mean, Sir, to doubt your being a gentleman,—but,—"

"But what, Madam?—that doubt removed, why a but?"

"Well, Sir," said Mrs. Mirvan, (with a goodhumoured smile,) "I will even treat you with your own plainness, and try what effect that will have on you: I must therefore tell you, once for all,———"

"O pardon me, Madam!" interrupted he eagerly, "you must not proceed with those words, once for all; no, if I have been too plain, and though a man, deserve a rebuke, remember, dear ladies, that if you copy, you ought, in justice, to excuse me."

We both stared at the man's strange behaviour.

"Be nobler than your sex," continued he, turning to me, "honour me with one dance, and give up the ingrate who has merited so ill your patience."

Mrs. Mirvan looked with astonishment at us both. "Who does he speak of, my dear?—you never mentioned———"

"O