each of the children, calling them by their names, and speaking to them of their lamented parent now in glory. "O forget her not," he said, while the tears rose to his eyes, "and remember what she loved and sought after, and, for her beloved sake, prize those things she prized. Believe your Bibles, my children, and pray for faith and love in that Saviour who died that you little ones might come to him."

Mrs. Colton now made a sign that they should leave the apartment, as she perceived that her beloved uncle was becoming exhausted, for he had closed his eyes after leaning back again on his easy chair.

With noiseless steps they obeyed, for their young hearts were softened by this affecting scene, and Mrs. Colton herself followed them into the parlour, where Emma gave to her a letter from her papa, offering the use of the carriage.

Mrs. Colton was overpowered with this unexpected kindness, which she accepted at once, joyfully, and begged William and Emma to be sure to thank Mr. Fortescue for his attention. Having obtained permission to call the next day, after service time, to settle what time the carriage should be at the

Parsonage on Monday morning, Emma kissed her beloved governess, and taking William's hand, they joined the others, who had already entered the churchyard, on their way back to the Hall.

CHAPTER XIII.

Charity hopeth all things.

EMMA said very little during her walk home, and her brother also seemed occupied with his own thoughts. William, as we have seen, was very fond of his sister, and was endeavouring to contrive how he might procure for her the gratification of again seeing Mrs. Colton.

"Papa will send his carriage to Lancaster," he thought, "and Chambers will drive; what a pleasant thing, then, it would be if Emma could go part of the way. I am sure Mrs. Colton loves Emma, and my sister's presence might divert her from thinking of leaving the Parsonage as much as she otherwise would do."

When Mr. Fortescue entered his own grounds that evening, William ran to meet

him, and to tell him of his wishes, before he entered the house; for the boy was afraid that his aunt might endeavour, should she hear of it, to prevent the accomplishment of his scheme.

The kind father listened with attention, and, ever indulgent to the wishes of his children, he promised that, if Mrs. Colton approved, John should go with them instead of Chambers, and he would be able to bring them back safely to the Hall on the following day. "Then we are to stay all night at Lancaster, are we not, papa ?" asked William.

"It must all depend upon Mrs. Colton, my boy," he answered; "for unless your company will really be a pleasure to her, I should rather you would deny yourself, and not go.

"Then I may run to the Parsonage, and ask Mrs. Colton? It is still light, Sir," said William, "and I shall be back before it is dark."

"Then you must not intrude into Mrs. Colton's presence, if she is engaged in attending on Mr. Addison," replied his father; "but if she is at liberty, speak to her, and tell her what your request is, though, William, I think I could almost take upon myself to say what will be her answer to you;" but before

Mr. Fortescue had finished his sentence William had left his side, and had started off with the rapidity of a deer towards the Par

sonage.

He found Mrs. Colton in the small parlour so often mentioned, conversing with a young clergyman, who had undertaken to do the duty for Mr. Addison during his illness.

Mr. Forbes was a pious young man, who resided with a widowed mother, about ten miles from Kendal; he had been ordained some time, and was now looking out for something more suitable than the small curacy he had so long served. He was, moreover, at present without any employment, his rector having just come to reside at his own living.

William knew Mr. Forbes well, for that gentleman had once stayed some weeks with Mr. Addison. When the boy, flushed and breathless from the exercise, appeared suddenly at the door of the Parsonage parlour, Mrs. Colton was startled, and, rising, she asked if all were well at the Hall.

William soon assured her he was the bearer of no bad news; and then, without any more preface, he informed her of the cause of his unexpected visit at such a time in the evening. Mrs. Colton was surprised, yet pleased,