The six months he had spent with them at college had been sufficient for him to form an intimate friendship with Percy, whose endeavours to gain his esteem he had been unable to resist; while he regretted that the reserved disposition of Herbert, being so like his own, had prevented his knowing him so well as his brother.

He spoke too of a distant relative of Mrs.Hamilton's, the present Lord Delmont, in whom, as the representative of her ancient family, she was much interested.

St.Eval described with eloquence the lovely villa he occupied on the banks of Lago Guardia, near the frontiers of the Tyrol, the health of his only sister, some few years younger than himself, not permitting them to live in England; he had given up all the invitations to home and pleasure held out to him by his father-land, and retiring to Italy, devoted himself entirely to his mother and sister.
"He is a brother and son after your own heart, Mrs.Hamilton," concluded St.Eval, with animation, "and that is the highest compliment I can pay him." Mrs.Hamilton smiled, and as she gazed on the glowing features of the young man, she thought he who could so well appreciate such virtues could not be--nay, she knew he was not--deficient in them himself, and stronger than ever became her secret wish; but she hastily banished it, and gave her sole attention to the interesting subjects on which St.
Eval continued to speak.
For some few hours after supper the ball continued, with even, perhaps, more spirit than it had commenced; but St.Eval did not ask Caroline to dance again.

He fancied she preferred Alphingham's attentions, and his sensitive mind shrunk from being again refused.

Caroline knew not the heart of him over whom she had resolved to use her power, perhaps if she had, she would have hesitated in her determination.