[Dark Saint Alaick]

In the laugh and talk which followed (for with the conclusion of the spelling, all form of a
public assembly vanishes), our schoolmaster said so many gallant things to his fair
enemy, and appeared so much animated by the excitement of the contest, that Miss
Bangle began to look upon him with rather more respect, and to feel somewhat indignant
that a little rustic like Ellen should absorb the entire attention of the only beau. She put
on, therefore, her most gracious aspect, and mingled in the circle; caused the
schoolmaster to be presented to her, and did her best to fascinate him by certain airs and
graces which she had found successful elsewhere. What game is too small for the closewoven net of a coquette?
Mr. Horner quitted not the fair Ellen until he had handed her into her father's sleigh; and
he then wended his way homewards, never thinking that he ought to have escorted Miss
Bangle to her uncle's, though she certainly waited a little while for his return.
We must not follow into particulars the subsequent intercourse of our schoolmaster with
the civilized young lady. All that concerns us is the result of Miss Bangle's benevolent
designs upon his heart. She tried most sincerely to find its vulnerable spot, meaning no
doubt to put Mr. Homer on his guard for the future; and she was unfeignedly surprised to
discover that her best efforts were of no avail. She concluded he must have taken a
counter-poison, and she was not slow in guessing its source. She had observed the
peculiar fire which lighted up his eyes in the presence of Ellen Kingsbury, and she
bethought her of a plan which would ensure her some amusement at the expense of these
impertinent rustics, though in a manner different somewhat from her original more
natural idea of simple coquetry.