and Helen thought she had never before seen so fine a The demeanour of the gentleman and

countenance.

the christian, were blended into a far more winning courtesy than even the refinement of society and education will give; since there are many, even in the higher grades of human distinction, who can lay aside this courtesy when it suits their humour, or their purpose. 'I am delighted to find,' said he to Helen, 'that you have complied with the invitation of an old man; and as you are now acquainted with my name, might I beg the favour of your's. I think I saw Seaward, or some such name, upon your luggage.' 'My name,' replied Helen, blushing deeply, 'is Sinclair.' 'Sinclair,' echoed the Colonel, 'the name appears familiar to me. Do you reside at place?' Tears rushed involuntarily to her eyes as she replied, 'We once lived there, but untoward circumstances have obliged' She in vain endeavoured to complete the sentence; and Colonel. Graham looked deeply pained, at the effect his question had produced: but walking to the window, he soon after succeeded in changing the conversation.

It was indeed painful to Helen to be afraid of breathing her name, lest it should also remind those who heard it of the one who had brought disgrace upon it. They who have never felt such a pang, cannot perhaps estimate how great and bitter is the trial. Shame for loss of place and fortune, may be, and too frequently is, mingled with a degree of pride, which is in most cases the parent

of shame: but the feeling Helen now experienced, is nearer, nay closely allied to sorrow; and demands our utmost sympathy whenever we may chance to meet with it in our walk through the chequered path of life 911

The younger gentleman whom Colonel Graham introduced as his nephew, Mr. Arundel, now entered the room; and bore in many respects a striking resemblance to his uncle.

The Colonel adroitly contrived to find out where Helen now resided, adding, 'I once stayed a few days with a relation of your's, Sir George Stewart, I think was the name, if my memory serves me; so, on the strength of old acquaintance, Henry and I shall pay you a flying visit some day, for I have more than one friend in Cumberland, though my residence is in canny Yorkshire. My aunt Stewart lives in Yorkshire,' said Helen. What the one I remember?' asked the Colonel..

6

'No,' replied Helen with a sigh, 'she is not Lady Stewart, we never see her now.'

Soon after they had left C a carriage stood awaiting the arrival of the coach; and Helen parted with regret from her agreeable companions.

Her mind was now principally occupied in anticipating the welcome, she was certain of receiving at home; the cheering assurance too, that Mrs. Sinclair was indeed convalescent, tended greatly to raise her spirits. Charles and Edward came to meet her, and on reaching home, they all crowded round to welcome her arrival; whilst Mrs. Sinclair, as she embraced her, blessed God, that, she was thus enabled to enjoy her daughter's presence.....

Though Mrs. Sinclair was still pale and very thin, Helen was astonished at the visible improvement in her appearance; and she could almost have wept for joy, as they pressed around her, with affection's on's eager welcome. How gratifying is such a welcome to an affectionate mind; 'tis not the language of the lips, that alone makes the heart glad. No it is rather the pleasure expressed by the silent eloquence of the glistening eye, and eager attention to every supposed wish; which says, we are delighted to see you, and which makes us feel at home indeed.

Presently the door opened, something wider than usual, and Mrs. Stewart entered. She extended her fingers to Helen; as to anything more allied to cordiality, Helen knew her frigid nature would never lead her to give.

Charles and Edward had procured sleeping apartments, pro tem. in the nearest farm house; and when they were all about to retire for the night, after mingling together their petitions to the Throne of Grace; Mrs. Stewart said, 'If you are not too much fatigued Helen, I should like your assistance as my lady's maid, for I did not bring Green with me, thinking she might prove an inconvenience to your mamma.

Helen could but comply, though dreading a tête à tête with her aunt; particularly as she was not yet aware,

how far Charles had exonerated her from blame-I believe my dear,' said Mrs. Stewart, as soon as the beds room door was closed, you are not going to return to Oakwood?' мам той 96of 97611 1 Helen faintly replied, 'No ma'am, but Charles would tell'

'I have heard,' said Mrs. Stewart interrupting her, 'all that Charles has to say upon the subject; but it strikes me, that there is, or should be, a stronger reason than the one he alleges; it is unlike his general good sense and judgment.' She paused, expecting a reply, but Helen could find no answer; whilst she was sedulously employed in wrapping up the dress which Mrs. Stewart had worn, into at least double the number of folds it needed.

'My dear,' said Mrs. Stewart, with the greatest sang froid imaginable, 'you are crumpling that terribly.'..!! Helen remembered her love of neatness, and began begging pardon, much more vehemently than the offence itself needed.

;

Mrs. Stewart though well-intentioned, and ever ready, to do a liberal action, was totally devoid of delicacy of feeling; and determined in her own mind to know the real state of the case, she resumed the subject, whilst Helen literally trembled with apprehension.

2

Did Mrs. Middleton wish you to leave?'
No-yes, answered Helen, for both were true; and

an explanation she dare not give.

'No-yes!' echoed her aunt, rather angrily, 'what am I to understand by this equivocation? I certainly do not merit it Helen at your hands, you are aware what I have done for you.'

'Yes aunt,' replied Helen, 'and shall ever feel grateful to you.'

'Then,' answered Mrs. Stewart, 'this is a singular method of shewing it.'

Helen felt sick at heart, but as a last resource, she rejoined, 'Mrs. Middleton was perfectly satisfied it should be so, although she regretted my leaving her.'

'I did not expect this reserve from you Helen,' replied Mrs. Stewart; adding, rather ironically, but I suppose you are now too independent to be questioned by me as to your movements; however you look tired so I wish you good night.'

Helen needed not a second permission to withdraw, and hastily retreated, with a kind of choking sensation in her throat.

Reserve was not a fault attributable to Helen, who was naturally ingenuous; but she well knew if the real reason were disclosed, Mrs. Stewart would not fail to refer to it whenever it might please her to do so; and this Helen felt she could hardly endure with a proper degree of patience.

With a beating heart she sought Sophia; and the two sisters sat long conversing over the dying embers of the little drawing room fire, leaving Mary to wonder what could possibly induce them to sit up so late.