viation from the path of rectitude, and it seemed almost a cruelty to one so blasted in fame, so blighted in happiness, to wish his preservation from that fate which had twice threatened to put a final period to a wretched existence. In the midst of these reflections a faint voice pronounced my name, and at the same moment Delamere drew aside the curtain, and extended his emaciated hand to mine. With an eagerness I have since blushed to recollect, I pressed the hand he gave me in my own; but my mind was softened by its recent meditations, and twenty-five, my dear sister, is not an age to be influenced by no impulse but that of reflection.

"I fear, my kind friend," said Delamere faintly, "I have occasioned you much trouble, and your generous cares will be ill recompensed by the prolongation of an existence so worthless and miserable as mine."

"Oh! say not so, Mr. Delamere," I eagerly replied, "life, I trust, has much

in store for you, and the cares of friendship are in themselves a recompense to the bestower."

"You speak of friendship," exclaimed Delamere. "Alas, the period may ar

rive when you will disown that sentiment for me."

Never, I returned with energy. Whatever may hereafter be revealed, rely on finding a friend in Alicia."

Delamere pressed my hand in silence, and at this moment the entrance of Glover interrupted a conversation which had it continued longer, might have afforded an elucidation to my present con jectures. No attempt has been made on his part to renew it; and, as I wish not to enforce an unwilling confidence, I have carefully avoided every expression which could lead him to suppose I doubted the veracity of the tale he told us, or suspected there was any peculiar mystery attached to his present situation. Since he has again resumed his accustomed

place in our little circle, the efforts of myself and Lady G. have been unremitting to cheer the dejected spirits of the melancholy invalid; but, though our attentions evidently give him satisfaction, and are ever received with demonstrations of gratitude, they have hitherto failed of the desired effect and every look, every action of Delamere says, in the language of the poet

"I have a silent sorrow here,

A grief I ne'er impart ;

It breathes no sigh, it sheds no tear,
But it consumes my heart."

Such at least is the belief of mine, when I contemplate our young friend, as he sometimes sits, with the fixed motionless gaze of deep abstraction, apparently unconscious of every thing around him. At such moments I have marked, with secret concern, the heavy sigh and frequent start of agonized remembrance, which denote the destructive influence of a

deeply-rooted sorrow; but, whatever that sorrow may be, a proud or sacred solitariness of feeling, which alike shrinks from pity or participation, confines it to the silent sanctuary of his own bosom, where it is imperceptible to all eyes, save those which can read the hoarded tale of woe in the melancholy with which his looks and manners are so strongly tinctured.

Weak as he still continued, Delamere already talked of leaving us, and it was with difficulty his intentions were overruled by the united representations of myself and Lady G.

"I feel," he replied, "that I have too long been an intruder on your goodness, to which I have no title, but the one your generous hearts have given me. Besides," he added, attempting to smile, you must recollect that the comforts and attentions I have experienced under this hospitable roof are quite incompatible with my present erratic mode of life,

and will entirely spoil me if their indulgence is much longer allowed."

"I perceive, Mr. Delamere," said Lady G., a little piqued at his obstinate resistance to her wishes, "that you are not wanting in arguments to justify your desires, and I am to blame in supposing the solitary attractions of a Swiss cottage could have any weight in detaining you from gayer scenes. I entreat your pardon, and will no longer seek to oppose your intentions."

Oh, do not, do not wrong me!" exclaimed Delamere, with much emotion, by such suppositions. Believe me, whenever my wayward destiny compels me from this spot, I bid farewell to my last scene of earthly comfort. Never will you cease to have my grateful remembrances, my most fervent prayers, if my prayers can avail ought in promoting your felicity."

While he spoke, Delamere seated himself between us, and taking a hand of