STRIKING LIKENESSES; OR, THE VOTARIES OF FASHION. A NOVEL. IN FOUR VOLUMES. BY LOUISA SIDNEY STANHOPE, Author of Montbrasil Abbey,' and The If I lash vice in general fiction, GAY. VOL. II. OTHER LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. F. HUGHES 15, PATERNOSTER-ROW, and 5, WIGMORE STREET CAVENDISH-SQUARE. 1808. STRIKING LIKENESSES. CHAP. I. ANTONIA trembled as the carriage approached the vicarage; she knew not why, yet her heart beat with a strong and secret impulse: the account which sister Benedicta had given of her parents recurred to her memory: sickening sensation bleached her cheeks, and compelled her to rest for support against the frame of the window. Worlds would she have exchanged, had she possessed them, for the respite of a few hours:-the dreaded Geraldine, decked in all the boast of beauty, presented herself to her view, and mocked her with exulting rivalry. Sir Frederic was the only witness of her emotion; Mrs. Moreland and the children were stationed at another window; and the doctor and Dauverne had hastened to the gate to receive the marquis, who was alone, having left his family at the Grange. His eyes were rivetted on her features, yet she perceived not his scrutiny, and when the carriage stopped, and the step was let down, flight was the momentary impulse: she sprung forward, Sir Frederie snatched her hand. "For mercy's sake let me pass," she murmured; "I cannot, cannot see him." Why this agitation, Miss Forrester?" he inquired, throwing his arm round her waist, and forcibly detaining her. "Believe me, in the Marquis of Allingthorn you will find a friend, not a severe guardian. See, he comes his appearance, I am sure, is not appalling." Antonia looked up; the marquis approached the window met her eyes-started-pressed his hand upon his forehead, and receded a few paces. At length with a smiling aspect he took her hand and raised it to his lips.." Antonia," he said, “I am not a stranger: in me acknowledge an old friend-a friend who in infancy has carried you-in youth will guard you-in maturity will bless you." You knew then my parents," she articulated, in a voice scarcely audible. "I did but no matter," he replied, in hurried accents; "I am their re› presentative I am your guardian: and if tenderness, affection, and care can supply the loss, you shall never feel it.” Antonia could only sob her thanks; the marquis for many moments stood gazing intently on her, then starting from his reverie" Pardon this agitation," he exclaimed, but your resemblance, Miss Forrester, to a cr |