Habit had rendered her in a manner necessary to him, and, in every recess from the occupations of the field and the pleasures of the table, he found himself solitary and forlorn without the society of Miss Melville.

Nearness of kindred, and Emily's want of personal beauty, prevented him from ever looking on her with the eyes of desire.

Her accomplishments were chiefly of the customary and superficial kind, dancing and music.

Her skill in the first led him sometimes to indulge her with a vacant corner in his carriage, when he went to the neighbouring assembly; and, in whatever light he might himself think proper to regard her, he would have imagined his chambermaid, introduced by him, entitled to an undoubted place in the most splendid circle.

Her musical talents were frequently employed for his amusement.