interested in his own pursuit, to waste one surmise upon him.

He continued to muse on the sudden and unexpected sight of Pembroke Somerset, which had conjured up ten thousand fond and distressing recollections; and, with impatient anxiety, determining to watch till the performance was over, he thought of enquiring his friend's address of the servants; but, on looking round for that purpose, he perceived that the chariot had driven away.

Thus foiled, he returned to his post near the green door; which was opened at intervals, by footmen, passing and repassing. Seeing that the chamber within, was a lobby in which it would be less likely that he should miss his object, than if he stood without, he entered with the next person that approached; and, finding seats along the sides of the place, he sat down on the one nearest to the stairs.

His first idea was to proceed into the play-house. But, on reflection, he considered

sidered the little chance of discovering any particular individual in so vast a building, as not equal to the expence he must incur. Besides, from the dress of the gentlemen who entered the box-door, he was sensible that a great coat and round hat were not admissible.

Having remained above an hour, with his eyes invariably fixed on the stairs, he observed that same curious person, who had passed almost directly after his friend, come down the steps, and walk out of the door. In two minutes he was returning with a smirking countenance, and alert steps, when his eyes accidentally falling on the count, (who sat with his arms folded, and himself almost hidden by the shadow of the wall,) he faultered in his walk; and, stretching out his neck towards him, the gay grin left his features; and exclaiming, in an impatient voice, "Confound him!" he hastened once more into the house.

This rencontre with his Hummums acquaintance,

quaintance, affected Thaddeus as slightly as the former; and without annexing even a thought to his figure, as it flitted by him, he reinained watching the passage, until half after eleven: At which hour, the doors being thrown open, the com-. pany began to pour forth.

The count's hopes were again on his lips and in his eyes. With the first party. who came down the steps, he rose; and planting himself close to the bottom stair, drew his hat over his face, and narrowly examined each groupe as it descended. Every set that approached, made his heart palpitate: How often did it rise and fall, during the long succession, which continued moving, for near half an hour!

By twelve, the house was cleared. He saw the middle door locked; and, motionless with disappointment, did not attempt to stir, until the man, who held the keys, told him to go, as he was about to fasten the other doors.

This roused Thaddeus; and as he was

prepar

preparing to obey, he asked the man, if

there were any other passage from the boxes.

"Yes," cried he, "there is one that leads into Drury-lane."

"Then, by that I have lost him!" was the reply which he made to himself. And returning homewards, he arrived there a few minutes after twelve.

VOL. II.

CHAP.

CHAP. III.

THADDEUS awoke in the morning with his heart full of the last night's rencontre. One moment, he regretted that he had not been seen by his friend; and in the next, when he surveyed his altered state, was almost reconciled to the disappointment: then reproaching himself for a pride so unbecoming his principles, and dishonourable to friendship; he asked, if he were in Somerset's place, and Somerset in his, whether he could ever pardon the morose delicacy, which prevented the communication of his friend's misfortunes, and arrival in the same kingdom with himself?

These reflections soon persuaded his judgment to what he was so much inclined, determining him to inquire Pem

broke's