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VIVIAN GREY.

xiety, Vivian had his own ideas on the subject; and, determined to unravel the affair, he had recourse to a person, with whom he seldom interchanged a sentence——the Marchioness.

"I hope your Ladyship is well to-day. I had a letter from Count Caumont this morning. He tells me, that he has got the prettiest poodle from Paris that you can possibly conceive! waltzes like an angel, and acts proverbes on its hind feet."

Her Ladyship's eyes glistened with admiration.

"I've told Caumont to send it me down immediately, and I shall then have the pleasure of presenting it to your Ladyship."

Her Ladyship's eyes sparkled with delight.

"I think," continued Vivian, "I shall take a ride to-day. By the bye, how's the Marquess? he seems in low spirits lately."

"Oh! Mr. Grey, I don't know what you've done to him," said her Ladyship, settling at least a dozen bracelets; "but—but—"