HOLME PARK.

CHAPTER I.

'A delicate mind is a quick interpreter.'

'Twas the first of November, 18-: the seared and yellow leaves had not all deserted the branches of the fine old oaks, but their brethren were flying in all directions; the rain came down unceasingly; and the wind moaned and sighed, as it swept round the gabled and massive architecture of Oakwood Hall.

A few flowers still lingered in the once gay parterre, as if to shew that summer had been there, with her beams and brightness; but as their colours faded, and their heads bent before the gale, they appeared to a fanciful eye, as though deprecating the blast, which was even now despoiling them of their tints and fragrance.

B

Helen was looking with mournful feelings upon the comfortless scene without. Poor flowers! thought she, you do but too much resemble me: for you were once nurtured beneath sunshine and gladness; and now you are living, or rather withering, under the nipping breath of adversity's winter. The next moment, checking the complaining thought, she turned from the window. 'Do you really think your mistress will reach home to night?' asked Helen, of a servant who just then entered the room. 'I believe so ma'am,' answered the man civilly; 'they have the close carriage, and Mrs. Middleton told the housekeeper, she should be at home to night if possible; but it is a shocking day for certain!' So, as though willing in some measure to compensate for this fact, he piled up the already blazing fire with fresh fuel.

Could Helen's mind have been differently occupied, she would, with true English feeling, have deemed it cheerful; but now she could only dwell upon the uncertain future-a train of thought which is at all times better avoided, as regards this lower world, since it belongs not to us, but to Him who "doeth all things well." Helen had been engaged by Mrs. Middleton, as her own companion; and partly to assist her, in the capacity of governess to her two little girls; in consequence, however, of some delay respecting a letter, which should have reached her ere she left home, Helen had arrived at Oakwood two days sooner than she was expected.

Those who have experienced the pain of parting from friends whom they love, to dwell with strangers, can best imagine poor Helen's dismay, when she found this to be the case; for after having so long tutored her mind to meet Mrs. Middleton with composure, the further suspense of two days, was too much to bear, with the fortitude she had assumed, but not felt; and unable to conquer her feelings, she burst into tears.

The sympathy of a kind-hearted housekeeper, humble as it was, soothed and cheered her; whilst the old woman, with friendly intent, began the praises of the family, of whom Helen was about to become a member. 'And this, Miss,' said Mrs. Brown 'is your room, and though Mrs. Middleton is out, we shall be proud to serve you. You mustn't fret though, for she likes to see all happy around her;' and continued she, with a look of great importance, 'they know how to behave to every body, for they're true gentlefolks. Master is a Honourable, and not plain Mr. .' Helen, though scarcely able to suppress a smile, could not help thinking the civil demeanour of the domestics, argued well for the reception she might expect from their superiors. Nor was she deceived in judging thus: for the tone of the establishment is in general given, by the example and precepts of the heads of the menage.

As the time for their arrival drew near, Helen became increasingly nervous; and when the servant placed the tea equipage on the table, with an important air of preparation, her heart beat audibly. How would they receive her? What would they think of her? She sat revolving these questions in her mind, when the sound of a carriage coming up to the front entrance, saluted her ear. Presently, voices were heard in the vestibule'come! did you say? asked a lady's voice, 'how very extraordinary. There, thought Helen, in perfect dismay, she is offended.

'I am so glad,' said a little girl, bounding into the room, and running up to Helen, as if to claim her acquaintance. Mrs. Middleton followed. She was a tall, delicate, and ladylike looking woman; but, at the first glance, Helen deemed her rather proud; judging perhaps from a slight degree of loftiness in her earriage. 'Miss Sinclair,' said she, addressing Helen, 'I am sorry a mistake should have occurred, but hope you have been attended to in my absence.' 'Louisa, my love, this young lady is your new friend; as to Adelaide,' continued Mrs. Middleton, 'she has already introduced herself.'

The elder child, Louisa, timidly presented her hand to Miss Sinclair; but Adelaide kissed her cheek, as she bent to unclasp her cloak, saying, 'I mean to be very good, shall you love me then?' 'Yes, dearly,' answered Helen, with a genuine warmth of manner, which did not escape Mrs. Middleton's quick observation and insight into character.

Mr. Middleton now entered, and added to Helen's pleasure, by the kindness of his reception. He was