A few days after the ball, lord and lady —, Miss Tomkins, and Mr. F—, were invited to dinner at Mr. Clifford's. Mr. F— devoted his whole attention to Julia, which Mrs. Seymour was in no disposition to witness with the same complacency she had done at the ball; for lord — was placed next another lady, and the other gentlemen at table were plain country squires.

Miss Tomkins affected to distinguish Julia with particular fondness, in order to conceal the envy and aversion which rankled in her heart. The pain she felt in making this effort, was perhaps a sufficient punishment for her malignity; and it would have cost her less trouble to conquer those bad passions, than it did to hide them from observation.

Charlotte entertained her guests in the most engaging manner. Her sweet countenance beamed with good-humour and vivacity; nor had she a suspicion that any of her company were strangers to that conscious serenity which filled her own gentle bosom. The pure and delicate sensations of a first passion, which is opposed by no duty, and embittered by no obstacle, shed over the mind a sweet enchantment, that renders every object agreeable, and every moment delightful: it is like that first fresh and vivid green which the early spring awakens; that lovely and tender verdure which is not found amidst the glow of summer, and is as transitory as it is charming.

Julia felt nothing but indifference for Mr. F—; but she saw that her behaviour was watched by Mr. Seymour, and was glad to avoid his scrutinizing looks, by engaging in conversation with that gentleman; which she did with an appearance of pleasure that threw Frederick Seymour into the utmost perturbation. This did not pass unnoticed by his brother, who had discovered, from many little circumstances since his arrival, that unhappy secret which Frederick Seymour thought was concealed from all observation.