demn the ordinations of Him who sitteth in the highest heaven. A pause of discourse on the female side was briefly interrupted by the hostess." What do you think of lady Ruthven, Mrs. Egerton ?" "I have not seen her.". "Bless me! have you not called ?" "But you will call ?" "Indeed I shall not." There was something so very different in Mrs. Egerton's delivery of these words, from her usual gentle tones, that Mrs. Mansel was astonished; yet the little speech was neither loudly nor shrilly sounded, though the calm and tempered energy with which it was pronounced spoke a decision not to be shaken. The Wrongheads looked somewhat confounded, for the motives which they knew led to this determination, the violated vows of the divorcee, rose like an accusation on their more ductile morality. It was really provoking that the Wrongheads allowed themselves to be thus abashed, by an untitled, unequipaged, unsupported individual-it is quite vexatious that no initiation in fashion, no assumption of audacity, can rescue its votaries from being awed by virtue, and subdued by good sense. Mrs. Egerton had an opportunity of improving her triumph, and yet further confounding the abashed circle; but there was something in her nature that revolted from depressing the depressed, or aggrandizing herself by the humiliation of others; shunning, therefore, rather than courting, the exposition of her superiority, she dropped the subject, and turned to topics more congenial to friendly and benevolent communion. Mrs. Mansel, restrained by no such delicacy, and proud that she was the only other individual that had not noticed the countess, though her omission was accidental, E 5 dental, exclaimed-" Nor have I called, nor shall I." "And pray, ma'am, why should you not call?" asked the easily irritated lady Wronghead. Mrs. Egerton declined giving her reasons from delicacy-Mrs. Mansel from necessity; she had no reason to give, and having spoken without consideration, accounted for it without judgment “Because she looks proud and illnatured." 66 My dear Mrs. Mansel, we must not judge of people by their looks: lady Ruthven is generally thought obliging and good-humoured," said Mrs. Eger ton. "Are you her advocate?" inquired the startled Mrs. Mansel. 66 Why not? though faulty, she may have some good qualities." "Then why don't you visit her?" Mrs. Egerton coloured, and glanced her eye on the circle. "You "You see you must explain yourself," said Mrs. Knowlesdon. 66 "I dare say we all think alike of lady Ruthven's conduct as a wife and a mother," replied Mrs. Egerton, timidly. Certainly certainly!" exclaimed many voices, as if all were eager, by this censure, to acquit themselves of their share of reprobating her ladyship. "But when she repents," added lady Wronghead. "Then, and then only, should every hand be held out to her," said Mrs. Egerton. "She has not many signs of repentance at present," observed Mrs. Mary, with a pitying sigh. Miss Patty Muddleton fidgeted in her chair, as if some brilliant thought had just illuminated her.-" Pray, Mrs. Egerton, I beg your pardon, but was not your dairy-maid an unfortunate I beg your pardon, I do not mean to offend; but it seems so odd you cannot E 6 -visit visit lady Ruthven, yet shelter that girl." "You do not offend me at all," replied Mrs. Egerton, with perhaps a little more truth than Miss Patty had averred she did not mean to do so: " your question is a very natural one, as probably you do not know the circumstances under which I received Fanny Dale." Miss Patty knew them well, but glad of the offered excuse, purtested she knew nothing of the affair. Mrs. Egerton, in a low voice, began her story." Fanny Dale is the daughter of one of Mr. Egerton's labourers. Her betrayer, after solemnly promising marriage, deserted her on the birth of her child. I found her in her father's cottage, sinking beneath shame and remorse." 66 And you rescued her from further guilt ?" "It seemed to me a duty to give a fellow-creature the chance of returning to |