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Then suddenly changing her mood, the Italian laughed merrily, and proposed as an amendment, that Angelo should bring with him the next time his pretty English wife, which might qualify in a degree the husband's objected pre

sence.

This seemed to make some impression on Lord Mervyn, but he said with a sneer

"Aline! and would you bring her here?"
"And why not, pray, my Lord ?”

"She would be completely out of her element," was the reply.

"I do not see that," persisted the Italian," it is the one into which her present position in life naturally leads her; she is fortunate if she gain an entreé into an element as comme il faut,” and Madame curtseyed with a graceful mock humility to Lord Mervyn, "as the one over which I flatter myself-I have the honour to preside-Oh yes!" she continued, as she perceived the brightening countenance of her listener, "I mean to make good friends with

that pretty, cold young sposa of Angelo's-I like her looks-She will soon tire of playing the recluse at Brompton-depend upon it—and find it very convenient to have me to take her by the hand, and put her a little au fait in the proceedings of our set-Yes! though she did look so shy of me the other night."

And in some degree she gained her pointthis fascinating Madame Lucetti !

She called one day on Aline when I was present, and even during that interview much of the coldness and reserve which my heroine had testified towards her on their first meeting, was melted away from her heart by the kind and engaging manners of her new friend.

Nor was it to be wondered that the poor, young thing, so bereft of female companionship should readily incline towards the insinuating foreigner! how could she resist it when offered to her in so seducing a shape, as that of the gay and beautiful Italian?

Madame Lucetti was the wife of the cele

brated singer-whose wonderful bass voice was deservedly the delight and glory of the Italian Opera.

She was herself of good family, and no scandal of any grave nature had ever yet been seriously attached to her character, although from the style and tenor of her manners and deportment the world in general, might have been reasonably led to look upon it with some suspicion.

But I am persuaded, Angelo thought no evil of this woman-or he never would have allowed Aline to cultivate her intimacy.

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ONE afternoon Aline sent to me, to beg that I would come to see her start in her new pony carriage. I went accordingly, and found a beautiful, little equipage at the door.

I entered the house, and there was Aline very prettily dressed, on the point of descending the stairs, with her husband and Madame

Lucetti, who I learnt was to accompany Aline, and initiate her in the mysteries of driving, in which art, Madame was an adept.

A groom followed on horseback; and altogether it was as well appointed a turn out as could be desired.

Aline appeared proud and happy, at the prospect of the new enjoyment, of which she was about to partake-Madame Lucetti, all spirit and animation, looking bright and handsome. I certainly rather marvelled that Angelo could trust his wife with such assurance, to her care, but the Signora seemed to possess much skill and confidence, and the poniesthey assured me—were most excellently trained. The whole concern was bought from a lady or driving celebrity, and considered perfection. Angelo's eyes sparkled with pleasure, as he handed the ladies into the carriage, and after a great many tender words between him and Aline, and some laughing speeches from Madame, the latter touched the little steeds with

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