the farthest end of the room; and she found this such a wonderfully
interesting occupation, that she did not for some minutes hear, or appear
to hear, one word of the conversation which was going on between Mr.
Hervey and Lady Delacour. At last, her ladyship tapped her upon the
shoulder, saying, in a playful tone, "Miss Portman, I arrest your
attention at the suit of Clarence Hervey: this gentleman is passionately
fond of music--to my curse--for he never sees my harp but he worries me
with reproaches for having left off playing upon it. Now he has just given
me his word that he will not reproach me again for a month to come if you
will favour us with one air. I assure you, Clarence, that Belinda touches
a harp divinely--she would absolutely charm----" "Your ladyship should not
waste such valuable praise," interrupted Belinda. "Do you forget that
Belinda Portman and her accomplishments have already been as well
advertised as Packwood's razor-strops?"

The manner in which these words were pronounced made a great impression
upon Clarence Hervey, and he began to believe it was possible that a niece
of the match-making Mrs. Stanhope might not be "a compound of art and
affectation." "Though her aunt has advertised her," said he to himself,
"she seems to have too much dignity to advertise herself, and it would be
very unjust to blame her for the faults of another person. I will see more
of her."

Some morning visitors were announced, who for the time suspended Clarence
Hervey's reflections: the effect of them, however, immediately appeared;
for as his good opinion of Belinda increased, his ambition to please her
was strongly excited. He displayed all his powers of wit and humour; and
not only Lady Delacour but every body present observed, "that Mr. Hervey,
who was always the most entertaining man in the world, this morning
surpassed himself, and was absolutely the most entertaining man in the