And now we must behold the Countess presiding over a different scene, interesting at least from its novelty; and, while she sat at the head of a large table covered over with flannels and other materials for her benevolent work, apportioning out to each of the blooming damsels that surrounded her, their share in advancing its progress. Every morning her Ladyship was encircled by a little levee, united by the hopes and fears that they felt in common; and who discoursed on little else than the interesting events that from day to day might be expected to take place. Strathallan, the centre of every one's solicitude, was the theme of every tongue. His safe return was the constant subject of the audible wish, or the low-breathed prayer; and every circumstance of his character, disposition, and former life, perpetually discussed by those who, knowing him best, could best appreciate his value, rendered his image so familiar to Matilda, that she could hardly still believe it was that of one unknown to her. She went easily along with the detail given of his former merits, and the praises he had received; and, when contrasting them with the perils to which he might that moment be exposed, her cheek often became blanched with terror, and her respiration suspended, while

'Her fancy followed him through foaming waves

To distant shores; and she would sit and weep

At what a ‘soldier’ suffers.’ /

‘You must get on with that work in “double quick time,” Countess,’ (said young Lionhart to Lady Torrendale, who, possessing more vanity than pride, encouraged the familiarity;) ‘that is to say, if you mean it to be of use to our brave fellows this winter.’

Spencer then gave his opinion. Miss Mountain said something about Hercules wielding the distaff of Omphale:58 but in the mean time the work proceeded rapidly.