Such, it seems, was the case with most of these; and, I confess, I trembled when I saw him holding them so close to the candle, and poring so intently over the seeming blanks; but still, I trusted, he would not be able to make out these dim traces to his own satisfaction.

I was mistaken, however.
Having ended his scrutiny, he quietly remarked,--'I perceive the backs of young ladies' drawings, like the postscripts of their letters, are the most important and interesting part of the concern.' Then, leaning back in his chair, he reflected a few minutes in silence, complacently smiling to himself, and while I was concocting some cutting speech wherewith to check his gratification, he rose, and passing over to where Annabella Wilmot sat vehemently coquetting with Lord Lowborough, seated himself on the sofa beside her, and attached himself to her for the rest of the evening.
'So then,' thought I, 'he despises me, because he knows I love him.' And the reflection made me so miserable I knew not what to do.

Milicent came and began to admire my drawings, and make remarks upon them; but I could not talk to her--I could talk to no one, and, upon the introduction of tea, I took advantage of the open door and the slight diversion caused by its entrance to slip out--for I was sure I could not take any--and take refuge in the library.

My aunt sent Thomas in quest of me, to ask if I were not coming to tea; but I bade him say I should not take any to-night, and, happily, she was too much occupied with her guests to make any further inquiries at the time.
As most of the company had travelled far that day, they retired early to rest; and having heard them all, as I thought, go up-stairs, I ventured out, to get my candlestick from the drawing-room sideboard.

But Mr.
Huntingdon had lingered behind the rest.