consequence?—­that my attentions would be perceived.  I do not exactly mean to accuse them of deceit; but a woman is naturally flattered by perceiving herself an object of attraction; and when flattered, is pleased.  It is not likely, therefore, that the infirmities of her temper (if she have any) should be discovered by a man whose presence is a source of gratification.  If artful, she will conceal her faults; if not so, there will be no occasion to bring them to light.  And even if, after a long courtship, something wrong should be discovered, either you have proceeded too far in honour to retract, or are so blinded by your own feelings as to extenuate it.  Now, it is only the parents and near relations of a young woman who can be witnesses to her real character, unless it be, indeed, her own maid, whom one could not condescend to interrogate.”

“That is all very true, Frank; but recollect the same observations apply to your sex as well as ours.  Lovers and husbands are very different beings.  It is quite a lottery on both sides.”

“I agree with you, my dear mother; and, as marry I must, so shall it be a lottery with me—­I will leave it to chance, and not to myself:  then, if I am unfortunate, I will blame my stars, and not have to accuse myself of a want of proper discrimination.”  Lord Aveleyn took up a sheet of paper, and, dividing it into small slips, wrote upon them the names of the different young ladies proposed by his mother.  Folding them up, he threw them on the table before her, and requested that she would select any one of the papers.

The dowager took up one.

“I thank you, madam,” said Lord Aveleyn, taking the paper from her hand, and opening it—­“‘Louisa Manners.’  Well, then, Louisa Manners it shall be; always provided that she does not refuse me.  I will make my first advances this very afternoon—­that is, if it does not clear up, and I can take out the pointers.”

“You surely are joking, Frank?”

“Never was more serious.  I have my mother’s recommendation, backed by fate.  Marry I must, but choose I will not.  I feel myself desperately in love with the fair Louisa already.  I will report my progress to you, my dear madam, in less than a fortnight.”

Lord Aveleyn adhered to his singular resolution, courted, and was accepted.  He never had reason to repent his choice; who proved to be as amiable as her countenance would have indicated.  The fruits of his marriage was one son, who was watched over with mingled pride and anxiety, and who had now arrived at the age of fifteen years.

Such was the history of Lord Avelyn, who continued to extend his friendship to Edward Forster, and, if he had required it, would gladly have proffered his assistance, in return for the kindness which Forster had shown towards him when he was a midshipman.  The circumstances connected with the history of the little Amber were known to Lord Aveleyn and his lady; and the wish of Forster, that his little charge should derive the advantage of mixing in good female society, was gladly acceded to, both on his account and on her own.  Amber would often remain for days at the mansion, and was a general favourite, as well as an object of sympathy.