MABEL'S PROGRESS.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "AUNT MARGARET'S TROUBLE."

BOOK V.

CHAPTER V. "FOR AULD LANG SYNE."

It was an awkward meeting. Mabel's pride
for once did her good service. She would not
for the world have betrayed any emotion to the
strangers' eyes then fixed upon her. She
returned Arthur Skidley's bow with so freezing a
salutation, that that usually self-satisfied gentle-
man was quite abashed for a minute or two. To
Alfred Trescott she bent her head slightly, but
without any marked hauteur. "I have known
Mr. Trescott," she said, quietly.

Alfred played his part to perfection. He
was silent, unobtrusive, respectful; though
whenever he was unobserved, he watched Mabel
stealthily, like a wild beast in ambush. He
listened modestly to the musical critic, who at
once began to talk very fluently. All this
gentleman's speech was about himself, which
circumstance afforded the others breathing
time to collect their thoughts. The critic was
flattered. He acknowledged to himself that he
seldom found an audience so completely
attentive. By-and-by other persons came into
the room, and the conversation became general.
Captain Skidley had been so frozen by Mabel's
bow, that he edged away to the other end of
the room, and endeavoured to get himself thawed
under the bright glances of a pretty walking
lady who had been playing in the little opening
piece. Presently Alfred Trescott seated himself
near Mabel, and spoke to her. "I was afraid
of presenting myself before you to-night," he
said, in a low voice; "indeed, I should not
have had courage to do so, had not my friend
urged me to come. You know you once
forbade me ever to appear in your presence
again. Have you forgiven me yet. Miss—
Bell?"

Mabel's voice betrayed some emotion as she
answered, "I am willing to forgive, Mr.Trescott,
if you will allow me also to forget."

"I would sooner die than offend you, indeed
I would. I was so rejoiced, so proud, to hear
of your brilliant success. I may say that, may
I not? for old acquaintance' sake, and the
memory of your kindness to Corda. I was in
the theatre last night with Lady Popham. How
exquisite it was. You—you did not see me, of
course?"

If he had thought to lay a trap for her, he
had miscalculated. The warm blood rushed
over her cheeks and brow, but she replied,
with the unhesitating truthfulness that was
habitual with her, "I did see you. Lady
Popham's figure attracted my attention to the
box."

"Then," said Alfred, humbly, " I was right.
I fancied, I feared, that you purposely left my
poor flower to die at your feet. You need not
have been so severe, Miss Bell. I threw it
amongst the other bouquets as a tribute to the
artist. My camellia was meant for Juliet, not
for you." It was subtly said.

Mabel felt a pang of mortification and shame.
She had placed herself in the position—so
painful a one to a modest girl—of having
attributed to the passion of a lover a mere act of
courtesy. At the same time, the seeming
candour of his words struck an answering chord
in her frank nature. "Juliet thanks you," she
said, looking full at him with her clear, innocent
eyes.

"If Corda could but know with whom I am
speaking now!"

"Dear little Corda! Is she well? Is she
in London?"

"Yes; she is here. You know, of course,
that your cousin's husband, Signor Bensa,
offered to take her as articled pupil? Silly child,
she could not bear to leave her father and
me; and we, perhaps more silly, let her have
her way. If I make any success, she shall
share it."

"You have not yet appeared in London?"

"Not yet. Lady Popham is trying to make
some arrangements for me. I dare say my fate
will soon be decided."

Mabel was here called away to go upon the
stage. When she next entered the green-room,
young Trescott was not there; but she saw him
once more that evening. It was after the
conclusion of the tragedy, as she was going to her
room.

"Miss Bell," said Alfred, stopping her, "one
word—only one. Would you—may Corda
come to see you? It would make her so happy."

Mabel hesitated. He read her thought
instantly. "Corda, Corda alone" he said,
quickly. "I should not think of intruding on