nocent, Mr. Hamilton expostulated with his Lordship on the indecorum of his conduct. The interference was resented in such terms as caused a duel, wherein the former was slightly wounded; and, on the same day, his wife eloped for the continent with her noble lover. A suit was presently commenced, and heavy damages were obtained by the injured husband, who never claimed them, but having proved sufficient grounds for the application, procured a divorce; after which he quitted his country, and retired to Barkby with the intention of devoting the residue of his days to the care of his little girl; to whose never-ceasing praises of "Eleanor Paget," together with the commendations of the grateful cottagers, was I indebted for the proposals of Mr. Hamilton, who, feeling that she required a judicious and fostering female hand, hoped, by marrying me, to secure a vigilant and careful mother to his beloved, deserted child.

My health and spirits having been materially injured from the many shocks F had experienced, a change of air and scene was strenuously recommended, and this advice was the occasion of my visiting the Wells; a residence which I must ever res member with pleasure, as being the means of procuring me the happiness of knowing Caroline Vernon.”

The eyes of Mrs. Vernon, Maria, and Harriet bore testimony to the interest excited by this detail, and Mr. Vernon, pro nouncing Mrs. Hamilton to be a pattern for all women, inquired, were it possible to procure the pleasure of her company at the parsonage.' Caroline replied, "that the very name of Ireland must, to her friend, be so connected with unpleasant associations, as that she despaired of ever being able to induce her visiting the country? D

The party lamented the circumstance, and separated for the night.

241

CHAP. XIII.

They ne'er consider how they're to apply,
But only listen to the noise and cry.'

URGENT business had demanded the presence of Mr. Vernon in Dublin, from which city, after a fortnight's absence, he returned home; where, taking it from a valise, he presented a parcel to his daughters, who on opening it found the contents to be gloves, wedding favors and bridecake. He had taken off the direction in order to excite in the young ladies some surprise respecting the name of the donor; and which of our friends is married?' was, of course, the first interrogation. Having for some moments enjoyed in silence their various conjectures, Mr. Vernon at length

terminated them by saying, I had the happiness, whilst absent, to join the hands of two persons not only well known to you, but also ranking high in your list of favorites; William Beresford and Sophia Lindsay have sworn that death alone shall separate them. William Beresford !-Sophia Lindsay! This was indeed grateful intelligence; the gentleman being cousin german to Mrs. Vernon, and the lady therefore becoming a relative of a family by whom she was dearly beloved. To increase their satisfaction, they learned from Mr. Vernon a promise made by the newly married pair, that their first visit after the bridal excursion should be to the

parsonage.

I did not imagine William Beresford would have married,' said Mrs. Vernon 'he is Sophia's senior by many years.'

My dear Caroline,' returned her husband, marriage is an imprudent commencement in the life of a barrister. His

is a profession of precariousness, requiring very superior talents, and particular advantages of both education and manner; nay, I have known many blessed with such, to remain in obscurity, as wanting opportunity for their display; and I have frequently suspected the law to be more a game of chance than of skill. Should there be an interval between a barrister's introduction to the profession and his coup d'essai, how are a wife and, perhaps, an increasing young family to be supported? Aware of these circumstances, and gifted with sentiments too refined to permit his selecting a lady for her fortune only, Mr. Beresford resolved to defer making a choice until such time as he could invite a wife to partake of affluence, not to bestow it; and, although past the hey-day of youth, his excellent character, lively wit, and gentlemanlike address completely ensured the heart of the religious, modest, and elegant Sophia;