he was restored to her confidence, while his repulsion to Mr. Carleton was as sensibly communicated to her as if the latter had openly avowed himself in her presence the arrant hypocrite the former assumed him to be. If it is true that a woman's quick instinct empowers her to be an unerring criterion of character, there are so many controlling influences to modify it, unknown to herself, that it seldom acts with full force.
"What hastened you back so soon, Mr. Carleton?" said one of his friends, as they stood near the door of the conservatory, through which his observant eyes detected the object of his search ever since ho entered the parlors.
"A little item of business, in fact a powerful magnet has attracted me here," said he with a significant wink, in a voice too low to be understood by Miss Blanche although the sound of his voice was instantly recognized by her. An involuntary shudder crept over her as she looked round for a chance of escape, and the next moment saw him advancing towards her.
"Why Miss Blanche, what is the matter, you are ill!" exclaimed he as he felt the icy touch of her hand, and observed her deathly pallor, at the same time throwing his arm around her to lead her to the open air. This act sent the blood coursing through her temples and restored her self possession. Remembering where she was, and how long she had been absent from the company, by a strong effort she succeeded in throwing a mask over her feelings so as to attract no attention during the rest of the
