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divine; but something there is strange, singular,—very unusual, and very striking, between you and Lord Melbury! Pardon, pardon my abruptness! You allow me no time to be scrupulous. You promise him your confidence,—that confidence so long, so fervently solicited by another!—so inexorably withheld!—"

"I earnestly desire," cried Juliet, recovering her look of openness, and raising her eyes; "the sanction of Lord Melbury to the countenance and kindness of Lady Aurora."

"Thanks! thanks!" cried Harleigh; who in this short, but expressive explanation, flattered himself that some concern was included for his peace; "'Tis to that, then, that cause,—a cause the most lovely,—he owes this envied pre-eminence?—And yet,—pardon me!—while apparently only a mediator—may not such a charge,—such an intercourse,—so intimate and so interesting a commission,—may it not,—nay, must it not