doing. I fancy he never was one hour in the same place all that time." "When did he marry ?" 'Oh, Why then, to be sure, at that very time, during that very visit. As he was going away, he said, 'I am to be married on the twentysecond of June to Miss Harrington.' Glynne!' was all I could say. He answered calmly, 'What is the matter? why should I not?' and I said 'Oh, Glynne !' again. He said in answer, I have had few people to love me, none to care for me but my uncle; it would be a poor sacrifice to give him my life, therefore I give him more, my happiness.' 'But, Glynne,' I began, again. He put his hand on my mouth, and said, Selina, somewhere a curse is pronounced on the children of evil parents. I shall be glad, sister, to take your share. May you be happy.' Oh, Nellie! there are few people like Glynne; he reminds me of a grand old ruin, standing out in bold but sad contrast to the white cottages and thatched houses of this every-day world. He is ruined, a ruin, and yet intended by God to be the strong tower to which many might resort for shelter and assistance. Nellie, you are shivering—how white you are. Do you feel ill?” And, Lady Maria, my guardian ?" "He came home about a year ago. Nellie, none mourned more for you than he did. He could not but think my mother had some hand in your disappearance. He left her almost immediately to go and seek for you; but to our surprise he soon returned, happy and content. He then devoted himself to poor mamma. cannot think how she is altered. She will not see me, or any of us, except at night, when she can sit in the gloom. She has some fearful disease, which is wasting does not like anyone to You her life away, but she know it. She is not altered in reality in heart, I fear, but very much This war obliged Captain so in appearance. Forest to leave her. His honour was concerned. He is forward in every engagement-his ship seems employed in every danger.” "And Isabel, my cousins?—" She is married-she married abroad; but Georgy is still at home, and not improved. She hopes to marry that foolish Mr. Hamilton; and indeed we hear sad tales of him. One is, that he is already married to a very handsome girl, who was his mother's laundry-maid. Now, Nellie, let me hear your adventures-tell me everything," "Inform me first, when did the old Lord of Glynne die; and is-is Glynne happy?" "The old Lord lived to see Glynne's boy; and that made up to him for discovering, when too late, that he had not chosen Glynne a very sensible wife." "But she seems to love him—' "And have you been all this time in one place, Nellie ?" "Yes.-Is Glynne happy?" "I never asked him. Who is Phebe, that you talk of ?" The dearest girl! I think the Lady' would improve, if excited up a little-" "Excite her, if you choose. Phebe to come and see me?" "She would be delighted. fond of you?" Let me ask Is 'the Lady' "I never heard. What is Phebe's other name ?" VOL. III. D White. 'The Lady' eats too much, and is indolent. Is not that all, Selina ?" "Miss White. I will write to her now.' "My word!' as she says, don't write to Miss White. She is a little servant maiden." "Your maid?" "No, not exactly. But now tell me I ask this question as one who asks you to give her happiness or bid her despair-Can I do aught to help Glynne?" "Yes, you can love his boy. He told me, as he came on the journey, 'I have found a little, small mother for Neville, who seems to understand his peculiar characteristics.' I answered, 'Does Eliza like her?' And he said, 'It was impossible she could do otherwise.' - Tears again, Nellie. I am glad to see them. know you did Glynne a great wrong." You "But it will be strange my remaining in his house." "It is strange, when you think of it. But he will sacrifice everything, sooner than suffer Neville to be ruined. I do not know how he will manage it, but it will be done, and without scathe to you, my Nellie, naughty Nellie." |