an ensign of victory. Why, child, you have made a conquest worthy
of--let me see. You, or the wits, could tell me who it was that
stormed the very den of Cocytus and bore off the spoil!"

Aurelia liked the tone too little to supply the names; yet she felt
flattered; but she said quietly, "I am happy to have been the means
of cheering him."

The grave artlessness of the manner acted as a kind of check, and Lady
Belamour said in a different tone, "Seriously, child, the family are
truly obliged for your share in rousing the poor creature from his
melancholy. My good man made the attempt, but all in vain. What do
you to divert him?"

In inquires of this kind the supper hour passed, and Lady Belamour was
then to keep her appointment with her brother-in-law. She showed so
much alarm and dread that Aurelia could not but utter assurances and
encouragements, which again awoke that arch manner, partly bantering,
partly flattering, which exercised a sort of pleasant perplexing
fascination on the simple girl.

After being dismissed, Aurelia went in search of Mrs. Dove, whom she
found with Molly, taking stock of Amoret's little wardrobe. The good
woman rose joyfully. "Oh, my dear missie! I am right thankful to
see you looking so purely. I don't know how I could have held up my
head to Miss Delavie if I had not seen you!"

"Ah! you will see my sister and all of them," cried Aurelia, a sudden
rush of home-sickness bringing tears to her eyes, in oblivion alike
of her recluse and her pupils. "Oh! if I were but going with you!