There was such a general understanding between the two it can excite no surprise that they co-operated harmoniously as it were by signal.

For two people, correctly impressed with their duties and responsibilities, to arrive at the same conclusion in the government of their conduct, would be merely a matter of course; and so with those who are more or less under the dominion of the world.  They will pursue their plans with a degree of concurrence amounting nearly to sympathy; and thus had Kate and her mother, until this morning, kept up the masquerade so well that the Viscount was as confiding as a country Corydon.  When he first witnessed the dowager’s management with Grace and John, however, and his wife’s careless disregard of a thing which appeared too much a matter of course to be quite agreeable, his newly awakened distrust approached conviction.

Grace Chatterton both sang and played exquisitely; it was, however, seldom she could sufficiently overcome her desire, when John was an auditor, to appear to advantage.

As the party went down stairs, and Moseley had gone with them part of the way, she threw herself unconsciously in a seat, and began a beautiful song, that was fashionable at the time.  Her feelings were in consonance with the words, and Grace was very happy both in execution and voice.

John had reached the back of her seat before she was at all sensible of his return, and Grace lost her self-command immediately.  She rose and took a seat on a sofa, and the young man was immediately at her side.

“Ah, Grace,” said John, the lady’s heart beating high you certainly do sing as you do everything, admirably.”

“I am happy you think so, Mr. Moseley,” returned Grace looking everywhere but in his face.

John’s eyes ran over her beauties, as with palpitating bosom and varying color she sat confused at the unusual warmth of his language and manner.

Fortunately a remarkably striking likeness of the Dowager hung directly over their heads, and John taking her unresisting hand, continued,

“Dear Grace, you resemble your brother very much in features, and what is better still, in character.”

“I could wish,” said Grace, venturing to look up, “to resemble your sister Emily in the latter.”

“And why not to be her sister, dear Grace?” said he with ardor.  “You are worthy to become her sister.  Tell me, Grace, dear Miss Chatterton—­can you—­will you make me the happiest of men? may I present another inestimable daughter to my parents?”

As John paused for an answer, Grace looked up, and he waited her reply in evident anxiety; but she continued silent, now pale as death, and now of the color of the rose, and he added: 

“I hope I have not offended you, dearest Grace; you are all that is desirable to me; my hopes, my happiness, are centred in you.  Unless you consent to become my wife, I must be very wretched.”