The fair of May fair - University Library

Et/» A DIVORCEE.
" You listen to every meddling fool who tries to
alienate you from me."
" I listen to nothing but my own heart," said the
voice still more faintly; " which proves, alas ! but
a weak admonitor !"
" And if I do look in upon you on my road to
Lochvardine's," said the savage lover, somewhat
appeased, " do you intend to trifle with my affec-
tions as you have done in London ?—to put for-
ward the claims of a doting old abecedarian, who
cares more for little Digby's syntax, or Charles's
wonderful progress in his pothooks and hangers,
than for the tenderness of their mother ?"
" If you intend to speak of my husband in terms
like these," said Amelia with spirit, " do not come.
I commit a sufficient outrage against him and my
children by listening to your protestations, without
adding insult to injury."
The tempter was startled by this sudden re-
assumption of self-respect. " At least," said he,-
more mildly, " you do not intend to surround your-
self by those ferocious women the Carmychaels ? *'
" I fancy the family will pass some months at
Allanby. They are extremely fond of the boys, and
take infinite pains with them."
" The boys !—Amelia—Amelia,— you will teach
me to abhor those children if they are to interfere
with all my hopes,—with all my happiness."