height of happiness, yet there was one couple—who, on all former occasions, distinguished themselves for animation and delight—were far from being affected with the universal hilarity.
These were Charlie Stuart and Bella McKay, who, by a preconcerted plan of Lord Lundy and his gallant cousin, were kept separate during the evening.
It was arranged by these two, that his Lordship should engage Bella for all the dances during the evening, and should any unforeseen etiquette, which, in his position as host, made his absence for any time imperative, the captain was to take his place, and engage the young lady in question; thus separating the young lovers (as they now had ample proof) for this time, and also besiege the young lady's heart, that she might become reconciled, and look more favourably towards his Lordship.
So successful had this plan proved, that the lovers, who, at all former balls, were partners in every dance, could not on this occasion exchange a single word, or give vent to their new-born passion, save by a few stolen glances from different sides of the hall. My young readers, who have experienced the first effects of dawning love, can better judge their feelings.
Too modest and inexperienced to make any advances in the presence of so many spectators who were witnesses to the incidents of the day in which they themselves figured so conspicuously, and conscious that the majority of the brilliant assembly were watching their every movement.
Bella submitted to this unavoidable and compulsory separation with a heavy heart through etiquette and dread of parental displeasure. But how much more miserably Charlie passed that evening, suffering under the first pangs of jealousy, attributing Bella's estrangement to the fickleness of her sex, or sharing in the ambition common to them by being flattered, and appreciating the homage and attention paid them by superior and more wealthy suitors, never doubting but this was voluntary conduct on her part.
What added more to his misery was the whispering of the dashing and gallant Captain in her ear, and her
