Mildred: An Autumn Romance.

other county member , and a number ot magnates from the neighbouring towns , including the mayors of one or two-adjacent boroughs . Marmaduke has just come as the notabilities take their seats at the cross table , and is followed suspiciously by Mildred , who demurely slips into her place beside some friends at the end of the tent , looking very pretty and rather flushed and happy . The speeches have been spoken—the songs have been sung—Marmaduke ' s name has been introducedancl the young officer has made his bow to the audienceancl proposed

, , the toast of " The Ladies . " He is quite eloquent on the subject , ancl perhaps is inspired by the face and form of a beautiful girl who has just risen to speak to some one at the far end of the tent , ancl in doing so gives one beaming look towards the sjieaker , which he no doubt interprets rightly—at all events , he looks well content as he sits down amidst thunders of applause . " Very well clone for a first attempt , General , " says old Lord Kenarlon . " Very

well clone indeed ; we shall make a speaker of him some clay . The ladies appear to appreciate him , especially that pretty girl ivho has just sat down . " " Thank you , my lord , for your complimentary remarks , " responded the General . " Marmaduke is no fool , but he ' s not yet up to the mark . I wish he were a little less wild . I am always fearing he will commit himself . " " Indeed , " replied the old peer ; " indeed , your son , sir , seems a very estimable young fellow . By the way , General , " continued he , putting his gold eye-glass up to his eye , " who is that young lady I pointed out just now' ? " " Where ?"

" Why , the tall fair girl with auburn hair at the far end of the fourth table from here , sitting next that middle-aged lady I saw you speak to as you entered ? " Lord Kenarlon was an old bachelor and an old beau , ancl , if report spoke true , had been a sad rake in the times of the Regency ; but he was only great at Quarter Sessions now , a most respectable member of the Upper House , who promised to die in the odour of sanctity . But still he admired the ladies—ancl thought they still admired him .

" Fair girl , auburn hair , hum ; your lordship must mean Miss Bethune , one of our St . Benet ' s young ladies . " " Ancl pray , who is Miss Bethnne ? " " Oh , she was a drawin ~ -inaiter ' s daughter here " : your lordship seems curious about her , " the General added with the slightest possible attempt at a sneer . " Monstrous fine girlGeneral : seldom seen a finer irl : appears to know your son . "

, g "Know my son ?" " Well , yes , I should say so ; saw him nodding to her just now . By the way , I should beware of that young lady ' s fine eyes if I were you , General , if you don't want your son to be caught . " " Your lordship is very kind to advise me , " replied the General coldly ; " but I hardly think your hint is needed . My son has sufficient sense not to commit himself

with a drawing-master ' s daughter . " " Oh , has he ? " drily responded the old lord . He knew human nature well , all its faidts and foibles ; none better . Love affairs , intrigues , assignations , he had had scores of them in his day . The General , in his high starched collar , looked like Mr . Dombey—very proud , consequential , and self-satisfied . The old nobleman by his side was more after the pattern of Cousin Fenixonlmore

, y sensible ancl worldly wise . Which knew the Avorld best—Avhich saw the farthest' ? The speeches were done , the dinner was over , ancl the guests were departing as the sun was setting in the west . Under the beeches , away from the house , are two people walking a little apart from the crowd which is wending its way out of the Abbey gates homewards .

_ " I congratulate you on your speech to-night , " the lady is saying , in a soft silvery musical voice ; " a very pretty speech . I am sure we were all grateful for vour flattering notice . " " AVho inspired me , think you ? " the young man asks . " Me ! Oh , I don't know , " the maiden answers , with coquettish archness .