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ROMANCE AND REALITY.
99


A flush passed over Emily's face, bright as the red leaves she had been scattering round, and then left her cheek even whiter than the hand on which it leant.

"I am surprised—I really thought it was to have been a match between her and Mr. Lorraine: but, lo and behold! she has married his elder brother, Lord Etheringhame. But this marriage of her last daughter accounts for the sale of the villa. No one knew better than Lady Lauriston the advantage of a distance from town, to which a young cavalier could drive down in an hour—dine en famille—spend an evening with all the amusement but none of the restraint of a London party; and then the windows opened upon the lawn, and a warm evening often tempted a young couple to step out—and then moonlight, and that beautiful acacia walk, were terribly sentimental. That pretty garden has witnessed more than one offer; but

'Othello's occupation's gone.'

What will Lady Lauriston do without a daughter to marry? She really must advertise for one."