to own his love for another, though perhaps that other never can be his. My heart, my honour does not reproach me with the least duplicity or mean design. Can you, my dear Marquis, from the whole tenor of my conduct, suppose I could be a trifling coxcomb, much less a deliberate villain, for I must hold any man as such who could seek to gain the affections of an amiable woman, to gratify his vanity only?" "I am equally surprised and concerned (said the Marquis) that such misapprehensions should have taken place—" "And I (interrupted Lord Delby) equally displeased and mortified, at being made a party in the business; but there is no accounting for the vanity of women, and how very readily they entertain ideas they wish to indulge. I am very sorry, Count, I have been drawn into this foolish affair, for I observed at first it was very unaccountable, that a man should make his court to one woman, and avowedly profess his admiration of another; I shall however talk to my sister, and I beg the subject may drop and go no further." "I feel myself extremely at a loss how to behave (said the Count,) I think I had better leave Scarborough." By no means, (said his Lordship hastily,) behave as usual to Mrs. Courtney, in public, but avoid tete-à tetes;—if she is wise, she will herself approve this method to escape observation."
The Count reluctantly submitted, knowing after what had passed, he must appear very awkward in his civilities, which had been so misconceived.
They attended the ladies in the drawing-room, and it being proposed to go to the theatre, the Count, as usual offered his hand to Mrs. Courtney, though with a look of confusion and reserve; she accepted it with a polite and tender air.
Lord Delby, not knowing she had exposed herself to the ladies, requested the Marquis would not mention the affair to them.
The evening passed off very well, and at supper they were more cheerful and talkative than usual. The following day, however, Mrs. Courtney appeared
