But will you really find out Mary, and be the bearer of a small parcel for me ?" "With the greatest pleasure; for it will give me an object, which I had not before, and a most pleasing one, if I may hope your friend will not object to my intrusion." "A friend of mine will ever be warmly welcomed by Mary," said Emmeline, with eagerness, but checking herself.
"Then may I hope you will continue to regard me as your friend, and still speak of me as Eugene, though perhaps a year or more may pass before you see me again ?" demanded the young Earl, somewhat sadly, glancing towards Mrs.Hamilton, as if for her approval.
"As my brother Eugene--yes," answered Emmeline, quickly, and perhaps archly.

A shadow passed over his brow.
"As your _friend_" he repeated, laying an emphasis on the word, which to any one less innocent of the world than Emmeline, would at once have excited their suspicion, and which single word at once told Mrs.
Hamilton that all her cherished hopes were blighted.

She read confirmation in her husband's countenance, and for a few minutes stood bewildered.
"I leave town in a few hours for my father's seat," added St.Eval, turning to Mrs.Hamilton.

"I may amuse myself by taking Devonshire in my way, or rather going out of my way for that purpose.

Have you any commands at Oakwood that I can perform ?" Mrs.Hamilton answered thankfully in the negative, but Emmeline exclaimed-- "I have a good mind to make you bearer of a letter and a _gage d'amour_ to my good old nurse; she will be so delighted to hear of me, and her postman a nobleman.