She

her composed so soon, You are used to such ways, I see. It's four years since she had that terrible shock that brought on these fits; and my lady would have made out she was mad, but master wouldn't hear of no such a thing; and he appointed me to have charge of her at Brighton; and I was to deny her nothing in reason. was to have a pony to ride, companions if she wished it, and smart dresses. They were away two or three years travelling about, just coming to see her now and then; and so she began to get stronger and better: but the sight of her mother and the master always threw her back: yet the doctor said that would go off, and there was nothing to prevent her getting quite well, such a lovely young lady as she is. And with that, backed by the doctor, master would have her home, spite of my lady. And he it was, Missy, that settled you should come and live with us for her sake; for you see Miss Seymour is very good and worthy; but still she is a bit too wise and severe for my poor darling: who can expect

her to have her senses like other folks, tormented in this fashion? They should bear with and humour her until the Almighty gives her strength to think better. (Out on Miss Berrington!)" This was said aside, and rather strongly expressed.

"But my cousin may not have been to blame."

"Don't I know her? dashing up to her room like a tragedy queen, and coming down with her bonnet and cloak on, just as I came in to see what made my darling sob so. Says she, 'I leave you, Selina, I leave you for ever!'" No, no,' sobbed my sweet angel.

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I shall return when you can assure me you are no longer unworthy of my love.' And with that, off she went,-and joy go with her, indeed, with her airs. I saw in a minute how it was with my poor pet. I had only just time to carry her to her bed when she was took. It's my belief, Miss Offley, she is least to blame of anybody. And what possessed master I could never make

out, unless he was deceived by that ring. She is as cunning as a Jezebel! And if Miss Seymour would be done with her advisings, and everybody forget it, they would see what a real good young lady my young lady is, be whipp'd to 'em all! They should amuse her, and give her something to do-Miss Seymour would be doing her duty a deal more if she set her lessons like she does you, Missy. Master's the only one as ever thinks to divert her mind: all the rest of them is all duty, religion, morality. Let 'em set a good example themselves, say I. There now, the colour is coming! Praise God, she'll sleep. Go you, Missy, and wash your face, my love.My word, she must have hurt you-and look at all this hair-it won't be missed, howsumdever, you have such a lot. God reward you! And I'll fetch your tea soon, my dear."

Before that evening was over, while Selina slept, I heard as much as Neale knew of her sad story, though that was but little. I pondered over her words so often repeated, that if Selina's

mind was occupied and amused, she would get over the shock of her youth, whatever it was. And I began to think Miss Seymour was not judicious in her treatment of so peculiar a case.

I thought if I had nothing to do, and did not make myself interested about something, I should fret myself to death, wearying and yet it was not becoming in me so young to give advice.

:

And I wondered why Isabel was so angry, and what evil poor Selina (whose character was that of a capricious, good-humoured child) could have committed. And after thinking myself into a headache, I fell asleep, determining to upbraid Isabel and advise Miss Seymour,-two important steps for the queen of my kingdom to decide on doing.

VOL. 1.

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CHAPTER XVII.

"Many, many are the shadows

That the dawn of truth reveals;
Beautiful on life's broad meadows,

Is the light the Christian feels.

Evil shall give place to Goodness,

Wrong be dispossessed by Right;

Out of old chaotic rudeness,

God evokes a world of light.

Believe in God."

THOMAS COOPER.

BLESSED is the day of rest. More blessed

still if spent in solitude.

My experiences were unfolding, like the leaves of a July rose, to the warm touch of the sun. Every hour they expanded; would that they