Mr.Harland, the gentleman with whom Ernest had corresponded, moved in the circles of fashion and distinction, and he introduced his friends and acquaintances, being himself a frequent and agreeable visitor.

Ernest received our guest with elegance and politeness,--these attributes were inseparable from himself,--but there was a coldness and reserve that seemed to forbid all approach to intimacy.

Fearful of displeasing him, I repressed the natural frankness and social warmth of my nature, and I am sure our visitors often departed, chilled and disappointed.

The parlor was lined with mirrors, and I could not turn without seeing myself reflected on every side; and not only myself, but an eye that watched my every movement, and an ear that drank in my every word.

How could I feel at ease, or do justice to those powers of pleasing with which nature may have gifted me?
Sometimes, though very seldom, Ernest was not present; and then my spirits rebounded from this unnatural constraint, and I laughed and talked like other people.