Amabel Vaughan.

very few who , Avith all his faults , kept his faith with womankind , and never wronged a single one of that sex Avhich the poet describes as so fair and yet so frail . This indeed was so well known in London among his set at the "Arts Club , " and the " Garrick , " of both which he Avas a member , that he Avas called the " Honourable Eitz , " hy Avhich name he Avas known in all the theatres in London , —at least such as he frequented , and they Avere only the best . Fitzamongst other thingswas a dramatic criticandI believea member of the

, , , , , Dramatic Authors' Society , aud so in the pursuit of his vocation , —and a very pleasant vocation he made it too—he had the entree of the Green room , where he was always welcome . In London he had met Miss Longmore , Avho was a very handsome , lady-like woman , and a real genius in her AA-ay , aud he had seen and acknowledged her talent , — and in " Avriting her up " in the papers he had made her a reputation , and himself her friend .

She Avas a very nice girl ( only 23 at the date of my story ) , and , strange to say , had no enemies—at least none AVIIO spoke evil of her—so that scandal had , as yet at least , never pointed the finger of reproach at her , aud she had never done a deed of which to be ashamed . But , as I said before , Fitz was a thorough Irishman , and Avould flirt -with anything in petticoats , no matter how plain , provided there was nothing better to attract him at hand . How much morethenwith a pretty Avomanwho had already begui to like

, , , him more than she cared to own to herself , ancl AVIIO smiled always sweetly and kindly upon him . There was a crowded house , ancl all the pieces Avent Avell . The corps dramatique was a good one , and on this occasion the caste Avas unusually strong , so that the loudest plaudits greeted the performers , but the "leading lady" received the lion ' s share of the applause . This was not to be wondered atfor Nellie was nearly as charming a Juliet

, as Mrs . Scott Siddons , whom she greatly resembled . Before the curtain dropped at the close of the first act , a messenger tapped at the door of the box Avhere our friends Avere seated , aud Fitz , who Avas on the look-out , quietly opened the door , and took a crumpled note from the man ' s hand , in Avhich was the one Avord , " Come , " and nothing

more . The party Avere so intent upon the masquerade scene—it was "Romeo and Juliet "that nobody noticed the interruption , except Miss Benard , who was all ears aud eyes for other people ' s business . She noticed the crumpled jiiece of paper , and the smile that came over Fitzgerald ' s face , and she resolved to Avatch him . As soon as the Nurse said those last Avoids to

Juliet" Come , let ' s away ; ihe strangers all are gone , " Miss Longmore looked up at the box \ A'liere Fitz AV . IS standing ; he took the hint , and Avalked out before any one had time to observe him . " Where is Fitz ? " someone asks presently , " where is Fitz ?" Mabel looks askance , but says nothing . Two or three friends came round to the box to greet Mabel after her return home

again , and in congratulating her on Avhat they have just heard , ask also : " Where is Fitz ?" Mabel is hurt , annoyed , at what she justly considers her lover ' s neglect . Here the first night they are seen in public together he takes the earliest opportunity of leaving her side , without so much as a word to say why or Avhereforehe has gone . ( I'm afraid she would have beeu more hurt still could she but have divined where

Fitz was now . ) Yes , there he is chatting to the pretty Nellie Longmore on the stage , and seemingly very happy in her company . The word is hoAvever given to " clear , " for the curtain is going up for the secind act , and the young couple move to the wings for a moment or two before Juliet re ' . ires to " change " for the second scene . 2 M 2