CHAPTER X. And therefore wert thou bred to, virtuous knowledge, That thou might'st know to rule thy fiery passions, Of various life; to struggle with adversity; It was on the eighth day after Sir Andrew's return to his estate, and whilst the family were seated together in the drawing room, that a carriage made its appearance in front of the mansion, announcing the arrival of the expected gentlemen, whom we may well suppose to be no other than Colonel Archer and Charles Sagittarius. But the family was however most unexpectedly surprised by the entrance of two other visitors-Lady Heathfield and her son, Lord Eglinton, who preceded Louis into the drawing-room, Astonishment was instantly painted on the faces of Sir Andrew and the ladies, at this unlooked-for addition to their domestic circle. The Baronet rubbed his eyes, as if he doubted their correctness, while Julia stood mute and motionless at the sight of her lover, whom she could scarcely believe would, after the late occurrences, appear at her father's house uninvited. Her Ladyship having paid her compliments to Sir Andrew, and curtseyed to Mrs. Manners with that dignified grace and ease so peculiarly her own, took her son by the hand and led him towards Julia, who trembled with doubt and anxiety, arising from motives that may be partly guessed." Receive from me," said her Ladyship, in tones of the kindest affability and conciliation, "a sincere penitent, who is willing to offer every atonement in his power to make up for the barbarity he was guilty of a late occasion. There, go, my Lord, and make your excuses how you can. Believe me, I sincerely trust that Miss Sagittarius will pardon you for what has passed." on Lord Eglinton, half ashamed, and yet anxious to exonerate himself from the share he had taken in causing so much grief to Julia, took her half-willing halfreluctant hand, and led her to a more distant part of the room, where he endeavoured to exculpate himself in his best manner. Poor Julia! she strove to retain her ease and self-possession, but her efforts were fruitless. She burst into tears, and hid her face with her handkerchief. But her tears were those of joy." Maria blushed as she received the compliments of our hero, which he paid with an earnestness that betrayed an inclination to stray into another subject of more interesting moment. But Maria was too much astonished at the sudden appearance of Lord Eglinton, and of his reconciliation with Julia, to suffer Louis to indulge his inelination in this respect. She therefore questioned him until the whole particulars of the affair were drawn from his replies; and which, however he might attempt to lessen the merit of the share he had taken, could not conceal that he was the active and successful mediator in closing the hitherto distressing breach of friendship betwixt the families. "What matchless generosity, sir," said she, in her joyful emotion, “you have shewn in thus undertaking so humane and yet so delicate an office! What recompense can be sufficient for your generous exertions!" "That recompense," said our hero, in a low tone, "lies in your power to grant; and it is likely that I shall presently feel emboldened enough to ask it of you." Maria was confused at the hint which he conveyed in these words; but we verily believe that she felt no great dislike to him at having uttered it. With, however, that disposition of the sex to evade a direct answer, replied, "That she was certain Colonel Archer was in possession of too much kindness to request any thing of a person unless he knew it might be easily bestowed." Sir Andrew here interfered, and prevented our hero from his intended answer to Maria, by approaching him with extended hands, and in all the joy usually felt at meeting with an old friend. "Colonel," said he, with the most visible satisfaction of countenance, "1 am glad, very glad to see you safe at Dorrington. You look as though hap- |