been in, as it certainly was. 'It is so charming here in society,' she added, 'to see so many military men; the uniforms give such brilliant effect to a ball; and I never know which I like best-the scarlet, like my husband's, or the beautiful decorations of the dragoons and artillery, or that lovely pearl grey and silver of the native cavalry-which is to be abolished, it seems-or all those wonderful costumes of the Irregulars. But altogether it makes a place like this look very charming.'

Lucy did not remember that Cleverley wore no uniform at all; but fortunately there was no chance of that gentleman being discomfited, for he had a full appreciation of the dignity of a black coat in an Indian drawing-room, and made every allowance for Lucy's inexperience.

May, who had been dancing, returned at this juncture to the trysting-place of the party, and presently was saluted by an old acquaintance, who caused her some embarrassment. It was Cecil Halidame.

He offered his hand, which she contrived not to take without being too marked in her refusal.

'I am enchanted to see you again, Miss Pemberton,' said he; 'I saw your name in the last list of passengers, and expected to find you here.'

May turned aside to look for her fan upon an adjacent seat, and Halidame followed her, so that their few words of conversation were not overheard.

'Captain Halidame,' she said, in a low but decided tone, 'I must ask you, until your difference with my father is arranged, not to address me when you meet me. Your presence is painful to me, as you may suppose; and my father renewed his injunctions, before leaving Calcutta, that I was to hold no intercourse with you. You will excuse me, therefore, if I join Mrs. Manton, and say no more, except this-that I have to thank you for returning my necklace.'

The ornament was glittering upon May's neck, and Halidame noticed it for the first time. His confusion could not be concealed; but recover

ing himself with an evident effort, he muttered something about having been glad to find the opportunity, which had been delayed owing to Miss Pemberton's departure from Shuttleton. What he would have said next I know not; but at this point May was claimed by a partner, with whom she was glad to cover her retreat. Halidame himself seemed relieved by her departure; but he was destined for still greater discomfiture.

As May disappeared in the crowd, a lady approached him, saying—

'Why, Norman, I thought you were with Constance-what has become of her?'

It was Mrs. Beltravers. Her next glance at Cecil was sufficient to undeceive her as to his identity with his brother, though the mistake was not unnatural, as the resemblance between the two was more marked than is common in families, and Cecil, for some traveller's reason perhaps, did not appear that night in uniform.

She was not prepared, however, for the surprise; and turning pale, almost to lifelessness, she sunk upon the adjacent seat.

Cecil's agitation was almost as great as her own, but he recovered himself sooner. After an internal struggle, which was marked unmistakably in his face, he was by the side of the lady, attempting to restore her by words of encouragement. Then he cried

'Marian, Marian! many years have I waited for this moment! Give me one word-one look-to say that we do not part for ever!'

Mrs. Beltravers roused herself by a strong effort.

'This is too much!' she said, hiding her face in her hands, as if fearful that the people about should see what was passing in her mind; 'I must not-I dare not-speak to you!'

And with these words she moved, as quickly as the crowd would permit, to the door of the tent, and passed into the open air.

But there it was almost light as day; and Cecil, who had followed, soon saw her standing in the shade of a plantain-tree.