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TWO NATIONS.
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"I thought of Milford," was the reply in an under tone. "What say you?"

"Milford is going with St. James and Punch Hughes."

"Well, let us come into supper, and we shall see some fellow we like."

So saying, the companions, taking their course through more than one chamber, entered an apartment of less dimensions than the principal saloon, but not less sumptuous in its general appearance. The gleaming lustres poured a flood of soft yet brilliant light over a plateau glittering with gold plate, and fragrant with exotics embedded in vases of rare porcelain. The seats on each side of the table were occupied by persons consuming, with a heedless air, delicacies for which they had no appetite; while the conversation in general consisted of flying phrases referring to the impending event of the great day that had already dawned.

"Come from Lady St. Julian's, Fitz?" said a youth of very tender years, and whose fair visage was as downy and as blooming as the

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