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window frame, & the softened & languid tone of her voice, be-
trayed to him her melancholy. Disregarding the servant,
who handed him coffee, he took Julia's hand, & in accents
that harmonized with her feelings, tenderly enquired
the cuase of her seclusion. She evaded
any answer, but taking a cup of coffee from the
waiter, handed it to him, & took another
herself. Lights were brought in, & he saw with sur-
-prise she was in full dress. Julia understood the astonish
ment his countenance expressed, & said with a languid
smile, "Have you yet to learn, that society is the best reme-
-dey for the nerves, & truly my dear Henry, like
Lady Louisa Larpent, "I am nervie all over" today & fit
for nothing but the solitude of a crowd."

"You are at least paradoxical, my dear Julia, you
seek society, in the solitude of a crowd."

"Well," said she giving him her hand, to lead her to
the carriage, "In Mrs -----s blazing drawing room
we will see whether these apparent contraditions
cannot be reconciled." --

The brilliancy & gaiety of the scene, dispersed
for a while the vapours of melancholy, & Mrs Clifton seem'd the gayest
among the gay, to those who saw not beneath the surface.
But to D'aubignis penetrating glance, it was obvious
she was only acting a part, & afte rthe first flow of
compliment was over, and a mutual interchange of
civilities had taken place, she gradualy
withdrew from the crowd that surrounded her, & on
pretence of examining some fine fruits that were scattered
on a table, seated herself in a corner,
& seemed deeply engaged in turning over the
contents of a port-folio. With her eyes fixed on
the engravings, which she however saw not -- her head supported
on her hand, she was soon lost in her own thoughts
& heard not -- the strains of lively musick, & noticed not
the moves of the gay dance; & as D'augini watched her
every motion, he understood what she meant by the solitude
of a crowd. -- Another object soon caught his attentions
It wsa that of some young officer he had seen before standing
opposite to Julia, & leaning himself against the wall.