chaos; and never do we perceive our utter helplessness so forcibly, as when we are allowed to feel, that even the intellect we prize so much, may, in one moment, be itself the cause of dire insanity. Yet man, proud man, acts as though he held the chain which binds his senses in, when by one touch of the Almighty's hand, his clearest thoughts may be for ever hidden in the "night in which no work may be done." The body may indeed exist, but the prisoned soul receive no ray of light to guide its course. I am wandering though from my subject. Percival was so unwearied, so patient in his attentions to me, that at length I became calm and perfectly collected; though reduced to the feeble helplessness of a child.

Percival was unavoidably absent nearly a week; but he left with me his servant, as a more efficient nurse than my own, since he partook of his master's forbearance, which I exercised greatly; for my weak state added to irritable nerves, rendered me no gentle patient to attend upon. In general the man rather avoided, than otherwise, my enquiries respecting his master; still he spoke of his piety and consistent conduct, in such a manner, that despite all my prejudice, I could not avoid thinking if this is methodism, (for as such I then designated religion,) it is certainly a very beautiful method; and I resolved to ask Percival a few questions when he returned...

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Once or twice, since my illness had taken a favourable

turn, Percival had requested to be allowed to read the Bible to me; but my unrestrained expressions of weariness and coldness, had generally made him close the book with a sigh, before he had proceeded far; though he contrived to slide in a word now and then, which forced me to think a thing I then avoided as much as possible. Hon Percival returned severely wounded in the arm; but scarcely a complaint, and never a murmur escaped his lips. No ebullition of temper or hasty word, did I ever hear from him; for the sneers he had met with, and the contempt he had endured, appeared rather to have improved than irritated my dear christian friend...

How well: I remember the sincere pleasure his eyes expressed, when I proffered a few questions, without the tone of cavil I had usually assumed; and how delicately he forbore any comments upon my lamentable ignorance. 10At length his unwearied exertions were blessed to me, and the grain of "mustard seed" was planted in my heart: and how frequently I afterwards found the value of Percival's friendship, could scarcely be enumerated.

He warned me to expect the sneers of my companions, but ever encouraged me in "following on to know the Lord." I was however spared much of what he had undergone; for shortly after the change in my sentiments, the death of a relation caused such an alteration in my affairs, that I gladly left the army.

I have thought it was mercifully ordained, that I should not have been called away, ere I valued Percival,

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and still more his opinions; but "all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth." Percival came many times to my own house; and we were friends in the best bonds, until, to my great regret, he was ordered to India. I heard from him a few times, but in less than two years he fell a victim to the climate. A brother officer whom I afterwards met, told me of his happy peaceful death; and also that his exemplary conduct and example, were blessed to many who witnessed it. You will I am sure agree with me, in thinking he was a shining light, and he is gone to receive his crown of brightness, for he "turned many to righteousness.""

CHAPTER XII.

"It is very little kindness to load a person with favours they do not value, and thwart them in the very point upon which their happiness depends."

Helen warmly thanked her travelling companion for the narrative he had just concluded; and so completely had she been interested whilst listening to it, that even Oakwood had been banished from her remembrance ; and she was sorry when the younger gentleman remarked, that their day's journey was drawing to a close; at the same time enquiring if she remained the night

at

Upon Helen's answering that she intended doing so, but was going forwards the next morning; the other said, 'I wish we may again be fellow travellers; may I enquire by what coach you proceed in the morning?' 'By the Defiance, I believe,' answered Helen.

'So do we,' exclaimed the younger of the two, 'I am very happy to find that we shall again have the pleasure of your society.'

Some desultory conversation followed, and the coach stopped at the principal inn.

They politely assisted Helen in procuring her luggage, desiring the persons of the inn to attend to her wishes; and after bidding them a cordial good night, she soon found herself comfortably ensconced by the side of a good fire; but alone, and far away from every friend. The Defiance did not leave for until half-past nine the next morning, so that although the hour of midnight had already been tolled, by the venerable clock of St. Nicholas' Church, Helen had yet ample time for a refreshing night's rest. The interesting anecdote she had so lately heard mingled in her dream, with an idea that the coach was going, and that she could not by any efforts, get ready in time. At eight o'clock, however, the chambermaid appeared, with 'Colonel Graham's compliments to the young lady who came with him by the mail last night, and hopes she will favour him with her company to breakfast.' 'It's in the little sitting room Miss, on the right hand,' said the woman, as she stood waiting for Helen's answer, who hesitated as to the propriety of accepting this invitation; but she reasoned sotto voce 'He is an old man and I think a good one.' 'Tell Colonel Graham,' added Helen aloud, 'that I shall be happy to comply with his invitation.'

Upon entering the room in her travelling costume, she found Colonel Graham awaiting her presence as tea maker. He came forwards in the most polite manner;