evinced, more by looks than words. She wandered about the grounds, as if to take a long farewell of each remembered spot; and instead of the light joyous step natural to her, it was now exchanged for the measured one, so frequently betraying a sadness within. Often, whilst Mr. Middleton was talking of this or that plan to be put into execution in the spring, Helen's eyes would involuntarily fill with tears; but a letter from Sophia a few days before she finally took her departure, contributed more to calm and reconcile her than any thing else had hitherto done. Charles had acquainted Sophia with the real motive he had in wishing Helen to leave Oakwood; and Sophia knew well that it would prove a trial to her affectionate, but sometimes misjudging sister. After naming the pleasure they anticipated in seeing her with them; and dwelling upon the happiness of their mother's health being ere long restored, Sophia thus proceeded, 'I am not quite so ignorant of the strongest reason Charles had in wishing you to leave Oakwood, as you may probably imagine; though I know you would have confided it to me when we met. I sympathise with you Helen; and enter with a sister's love into the labyrinth of feelings your heart now presents; but I do more, I wish and pray, that this comparatively little trial may be sanctified, in teaching you how valueless is all, unless the "pearl of great price" is considered as the "one thing needful." May you feel submissive to our Heavenly Father's will, well knowing, that "all things work together for good to them that love God"-" to them who are the called according to his purpose." Remember Helen, that like Christian in my old favourite Pilgrim's Progress, when we err ever so little from the narrow path of duty, we get into an enemy's country; and He must be the good shepherd who brings a sheep back from danger into the fold; even should a few stripes be necessary to bring it to submit to what is for its own happiness. Your own heart, dear Helen, will suggest the comparison; and whilst you feel some natural sorrow in parting from friends, who so much deserve your love, do not allow it to swallow up a thankful acknowledgement for the continual blessings we receive.' Sophia then entered into domestic details; and we must close our somewhat intrusive peep. CHAPTER XI. "Yet ev'ry sorrow cuts a cord The day Helen left Oakwood, Mr. Middleton was going from home. He took a kind farewell of her, giving her a general invitation to visit Oakwood whenever she might feel inclined to do so; whilst the children had pincushions and keepsakes in abundance, which they offered in tearful affection to their young instruct ress. About noon the carriage was at the door ready to convey Helen to meet the mail. After many a lingering look at the apartments, in which she had spent so many happy days, she gently disengaged herself from the embraces of the little girls, who were sobbing their adieus, whilst she herself wept in concert. Mrs. Middleton silently kissed the weeping girl-one more kind pressure of the hand-and the next moment the carriage whirled from the door: the coachman declaring that he should scarcely be able to save the mail. After looking until the last glimpse of Oakwood was visible, her eyes dimmed by tears, Helen leant back in the carriage she had so long been accustomed to, and endeavoured to compose herself ere they should reach The mail was nearly ready to start as the carriage entered the inn yard; and in a few minutes she was proceeding rapidly on her journey, making the third inside passenger; whilst the snow was falling in drifting showers upon the cloaked travellers, who occupied the outside. As they were getting up, Helen perceived one of them to be Sir Charles Wheatley; and congratulated herself, that such was his choice: for she well knew that he would have joked her, either directly or indirectly, upon Mr. Cavendish having paid her attention; and she felt that now she could hardly have borne such pleasantry. There is a state of mind, a kind of nervous suffering, from over-wrought feeling, arising either from joy or sorrow, but more especially from the latter, which shrinks as intuitively from the unthinking and ill-timed jest, as the sensitive plant rolls back her leaves from the rude touch of the gazer. Evening quickly drew her curtains around, gradually deepening into night; whilst the cheerful fires gleaming through the casements as they passed the different villages on their route, reminded Helen, but too forcibly, of the small, but cheerful circle, now probably assembled round the drawing room fire at Oakwood Hall. Am involuntary thought, of perhaps he too may be there, rose in her mind; and for a brief space of time she dwelt upon the soft musical voice, and many perfections, really possessed by the one who now absorbed her thoughts, and from whom she deemed herself parted for ever!11 Although Helen soon bitterly reproached herself, whilst her cheek reddened at the tenor of her own ideas, still vouloir oublier quelque chose, c'est y penser; and so it was in this case, despite every effort she made to prevent it. Occasionally her reflections were interrupted by a remark from her fellow travellers, who appeared from their manners and style of conversation, to be at least gentlemanly and intelligent persons. At length the elder of the two, who had rather a military air, and was decidedly advanced in years, remarked, as if speaking to himself, "There is a light shining in darkness." As they were now stopping to change horses, Helen heard the remark, but remained silent; not being certain whether it was meant emblematically, or in that spirit of levity, so sad, and so often to be met with in the present day; even amidst those who profess to honour the precepts they thus openly profane, by using them as auxiliaries to their lightest conversation. The thought had scarcely passed through her mind, ere she heard him add, with a low sigh, "but the dark : |