 tread to find the paths of peace!—A sudden gush of tears followed this ejaculation, my mind grew calm, and I thought I could at that instant have taken an everlasting leave of Lord Lucan, with the most perfect resignation.
I continued musing upon the subject of my future conduct, for a long time; and at last determined, that I would endeavour to assume as much chearfulness as possible, while I remained at Elm-grove; that, in a very few days after the wedding,

I would return to Southfield, but, before I went, write a letter to Lord Lucan, fully expressive of the change in my sentiments with regard to him, or rather myself, enjoining him to make no reply, nor attempt ever to see me more.
Soon after I had formed this resolution, Lucy tapped softly at my chamber-door.—She saw I had been weeping, but as I smiled, and held out my hand on her approach, she said my face might be compared to an April day, but as sunshine seemed now to prevail she hoped there would be no more showers—we joined the company, and I with pleasure perceived that I was much less constrained in my manner to Lord Lucan, and every body else, than I had been at dinner.

A little flight of Sir Harry's, at the time that the gentlemen were to leave us, and return to town, threw me into a second embarrassment—he insisted upon his being permitted to salute all the ladies, as he should never be another night a bachelor; and that Lord Lucan, and a young gentleman, whose name is Weston, and was then present, should salute Miss Leister, as she should not chuse to spare them one of her kisses, when he should have an exclusive right to the sole property of them.
Young Weston, who, perhaps, mistakes vivacity for good breeding, proposed this folly's becoming general, and it was impossible to object seriously to a matter that appeared so very trifling; especially upon such an occasion as this

—Once at a wedding, you know, is a proverb.
Yet neither you, nor any of that company, will, I hope, ever know the pangs I felt at receiving a kiss from Lord Lucan.—It seemed to cost him almost as much pain as it did me, for he trembled as if he had been seized with an ague-fit.—The consent of my heart shocked me with a consciousness of guilt.—I am sorry the foolish affair happened—but I will think no more of it.
It is now near two o'
