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"Egbert, I take issue with you," began Mrs Arnot warentleman, as announced as "Mr Beauiven by Mrs Arnot to this gentleman and that which she had bestowed upon Haldane and her other guests His reception was simply the perfection of quiet courtesy, and no one could have been sure that the lady was glad to see him She merely welcoain to her friends

But Laura had a kindlier greeting for the new-comer While her hted up with pleasure and the color deepened in her cheeks It was evident that they were old acquaintances, and that he had found previous occasions for reeable

Mr Beaumont did not care to form one of a circle He was in the world's estimation, possibly in his own, a complete circle in himself, rounded out and perfect on every side He was the only son in one of the oldest and most aristocratic fae wealth; his careful education had been suppleed to be the best connoisseur of art in Hillaton; and to his irreproachable manners was added an irreproachable character "He is a perfect gentleman," was the verdict of the best society wherever he appeared

So , as they bent their steps homeward--for soon after Mr Beauentle in with him a different ath his boas distant to Haldane when introduced, his manner had been the perfection of politeness to the others For some reason, however, there had been a sudden restraint and chill Possibly they had but unconsciously obeyed the strong will of Mr Beaumont, ished their departure He was al his oay as Mr Arnot himself Not that he was ever rude to any one in any circumstances, but he could politely freeze objectionable persons out of a room as effectually as if he took them by the shoulders and walked thes and antecedents to sustain his quiet assu to say, "By your leave," on all occasions

Haldane was not long in reaching a conclusion as he sat over a dying fire in his hue If he saw much of Laura Ro Assuring himself of the hopelessness of his affection would make no difference to one of his temperament He was not one who could coolly say to his ardent and impetuous nature, "Thus far, and no farther" There was so in her every tone, word, and movement which touched chords within his heart that vibrated pleasurably or painfully