As the sun draws forth the peculiar tints and peculiar fragrance of every flower, so did Mrs. Egerton draw forth the peculiar talents, the peculiar good qualities of every visitant. Lady Wronghead had long nourished (the word is in place, however strangely it may sound) an implacable enmity to one of the present party, a Mrs. Mansel, the giddy young wife of an officer of dragoons. The whole animosity arose from that wonted source of social division, misconception and misrepresentation. Mrs. Mansel had said something, or done something, or looked something, that was pronounced inimical to lady Wronghead; and a mutual friend represented the affair to her ladyship, with just so many alterations and additions as to make it worth representation, and exalt the zeal of the representer. Lady Wronghead of course resented the affront, by treating Mrs. Mansel with dignified coldness. It was now Mrs. Mansel's turn to be offended; offended; unconscious of her crime, she did not choose to submit to its punishment. Had either lady asked the other -Pray, ma'am, why this change? the mystery would have been cleared, and union restored. But as such questions are deemed derogatory to the consequence of the questioner, and as the romance of life, as well as of novels, is preserved by their not being asked, the truth remained for some time concealed. By degrees both ladies began to suspect a mistake, for as passion faded, reason revived; but unhappily there was not to be found the same promptitude to produce reconciliation as there had been to effect dissension. Now Mrs. Egerton had a natural antipathy to every form of enmity; she talked of its being unfeeling, unchristian, and began to soften this, from the moment she heard of its existence. "What business was it of hers ?" as Miss Patty very properly asked-a ques tion tion Mrs. Egerton might answer by say-ing, that as a human being, she had a right to sympathize with human beings -to soften their sorrows, and increase their joys. But whatever were her rights, she certainly did presume to interfere in the present instance, and, though by an almost invisible agency, did actually succeed in restoring Mrs. Mansel to the good opinion of lady Wronghead. And what had she done to bring about this desired reconciliation? What plots had she laid-what schemes pursuedwhat coadjutors engaged? Of all this she had done nothing; a few soothing expressions-a few explanatory words much active kindness-much generous candour, was the sum of her interference. How often is disunion prolonged, from the want of such mediation! How often do two hearts vainly pant for reconciliation, merely because no common friend is at hand to interpret and convey the feelings of each to the other! The The company retired at a late hour, well pleased with their visit. There had been no attempt at competition—no endeavour to surpass others. Miss Wronghead was not outvied in dress, nor her mother in the delicacies of her table, nor Miss Muddleton in hard words and erudition. Each individual had been placed in the most amiable point of view; each had been drawn into the situation and conversation in which each could excel. Helena thought of every body-exalted every body but herself. When the Thurlestonians found themselves alone, they did not, as they ought to have done, and as every one but themselves would have done, draw their chairs together, and liberally scan every word, look, and gesture, of those so recently the objects of their polite hospitality. You gave us a better dinner than I expected, Helena," was the only retro VOL. I. E spective |