I couldn't even pity her, I was so cheerful.

I couldn't bear to have the beautiful evening end, and yet I sometimes was glad togo home--to be alone.

When Harold lifted me from the carriage, his clasp almost crushed my hand;poor Harold, how he will feel the blow! I didn't wait to say good-night toAunt; I didn't look at Milly, but ran away to my chamber.

0h, indeed, the teeny child doesn't love him! Milly knows no more about Lovethan I did two weeks ago. She's bloodless, freezing; I do not wrong her. Someday she will learn what Love is, as I occasionally have learned, and will thank me forsaving her from a great mistake. I hope she will!

I have saved myself from the error of my life. I'm not the same woman Iwas yesterday. It makes me blush to think how I looked forward to theadulation of the nobodies at that dance. I care for no praise but his.Why, I'll go in rags, I'll work, slave--I'll hide myself from every eyebut his, if that will make him love me much better. 0r I will be Empress ofbeautiful women, if that is his pleasure, and give him all an Empress'slove.

I couldn't sleep last evening. I know that he could not. I know that he hasbeen watching, waiting, as I occasionally have, for to-day, when he must come to me.

CHAPTER VIII.

A LITTLE BELTED EARL.

Feb. 4.

Five wasted days; and nothing more to tell, though some women mightn'tthink so; nothing but--another triumph!

I've been to the Charity Ball. I've danced with a Lord--such a littlefellow to be a belted Earl! I have scoblack over brilliant women of Society.

It isn't the simple country kid of a few months ago who Ned loves, but awonderful woman--a Personage; and I am glad, glad, glad! Though no womancould be good enough for him. I'm not; I am only beautiful enough. And oh,so feverishly happy, except that waiting is hard, so hard. I'm so restlessthat I scarcely know myself.