over to Holme Park, again to repeat his acknowledgments in person. The young men, Charles and Henry Arundel, from a similarity of tastes and pursuits, coincided exactly; and in a short time became very great friends.

Charles' early and older friend, Mr. Markland, came with him more than once into Cumberland; and by his attentive and kind manner towards Mrs. Sinclair, completely established himself in the favour of the whole family. His presence at first could scarcely fail to remind Helen of former days; but he never alluded, in the most remote degree, to Mr. Cavendish; for either by accident or design, he always avoided touching upon any topic, which could possibly lead to the subject. Mrs. Middleton slightly referred to him, in one of her letters; but she spoke of herself, as not being in the possession of such good health as usual; a piece of intelligence, which Helen frequently pondered over, with some degree of apprehension. Colonel Graham wrote to invite Mrs. Sinclair to visit Holme Park; and the packet contained a concise though courteous invitation, to the young ladies, from his sister Mrs. Elizabeth Graham, who presided as mistress in her brother's house. She was the Colonel's senior by some years; and with the same benevolence of disposition, united the courteous, though formal manners of the old school. Her dress was such as was seldom to be met with in those days, though latterly fashion appears to have revived, in a great measure, the style then peculiar to herself.

Her hair, of a silvery gray, was drawn tightly over a cushion, and surmounted by a tiny cap of exquisite lace; the lappets of the cap hung upon her shoulders, which were generally covered by a shawl. Her dress was open in front, full and flowing, forming a kind of semi train; whilst the rich brocade of which it was composed, rustied as she moved. In person the old lady was tall though slightly bent by age, and her whole appearance was at once dignified and pleasing: owing to her infirmities she generally leaned upon an ebony stick with a silver handle, when moving from room to room; and this stick she greatly prized, for it was a gift from her brother, who had exchanged it with a Spanish gentleman, whom he met with when abroad; and though Colonel Graham did not 'fight his battles o'er again, Mrs. Elizabeth appeared to consider the task, as having devolved upon herself.

Mrs. Sinclair declined Colonel Graham's invitation for herself and Mary, but Sophia and Helen accepted that of Mrs. Elizabeth; and the morning they reached Holme Park, was in June. Edward was ready to receive them, long before the house was even visible; which, when Helen caught a transient view of it through the trees, forced her to exclaim, 'Edward what a sweet place!',

Holme Park fully justified the general admiration bestowed upon it; for although the house itself was not in any way remarkable for its dimensions, still the beauty of the site, and the harmony which appeared to pervade

the whole scenery, could uot fail to attract the notice of a stranger. Its walls, though darkened by age, bore not a vestige of gloom; since it was erected on the side of a hill; gently sloping to the clear and rapid stream of a noble river, on whose waters a thousand shadows were sporting in the sunbeams; now and then obscured by the interception of a wide spreading tree; as though it were jealous of the sparkling beauty around; but as in all such cases, this only tended to heighten the charms of that it sought to eclipse.

Fine trees formed a background to the sunny landscape; and these were also dispersed throughout the small park, completely deceiving the eye, as to its real dimensions.

Nearer the house were shrubberies and a lawn, upon which stood some beautiful vases; whilst a profusion of flowers now lent their fleeting charms, to heighten the general effect. Two large old fashioned bow windows, nearly down to the ground, appeared to open upon the lawn; and were now overhung with many kinds of lovely creepers, serving to shade without darkening the interior of the apartments. Those windows,' said Edward, as he walked by the side of the chaise, now slowly ascending the hill, 'belong to the dining and drawing room; but the library where Henry and I sit prosing half the day, is on the other side, or rather at the end of the house. It is just such a room as you Helen would like.' Helen smilingly enquired why he thought so. Be

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cause in summer it looks so cool, with Henry's clematis and woodbine over the window, where he keeps his plants; and we see the church too, peeping through the trees; and we catch a sight of the water, which dashes away from a water mill, and looks exactly like a water

fall; but you

but you will see it the day after tomorrow, or perhaps tomorrow.

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And why not to day?' asked Sophia.

B

Because, replied Edward, nearly out of breath, 'Henry has not put in the plants from the greenhouse; which he intends to do before you see it.'

Mrs. Elizabeth, whom Edward had described to his sisters by letter, greeted them with the utmost cordiality, bidding them welcome to Holme Park; and expressing her regret, that the Colonel and her nephew were unavoidably absent; and would not reach home until very late in the evening.

A respectable nice looking woman, about forty years of age, who officiated as Mrs. Elizabeth's maid, conducted them up the dark oak staircase, which was lighted at the end of the landing place, by a large old gothic window, containing a portion of handsome stained glass. Helen was delighted with all she saw, and expatiated so much upon the beauties of the house, that Sophia could not avoid laughing heartily, as she declared her intention of thoroughly exploring it. How childish I am,', said Helen, as they descended the stairs, but it is such a lovely day, and I feel so happy, my spirits run away with my better judgement.' 'It will come back soon,'

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replied Sophia smiling, and they entered the drawing room, where Mrs. Elizabeth sat engaged in knittingrow

'I must go,' said Edward, leaving the room, for my books will tell tales, for nothing could I settle to do this morning, when I knew you were coming: and now I feel very idle.'

'I think,' said Mrs. Elizabeth, turning to Helen, 'you were my brother's first acquaintance: I assure you it appears to me, like a renewal of former days, for my dear Henry was just the age of your brother, when he was left to my care, an orphan.' And the old lady sighed, but continued, He was always much graver, poor fellow than Edward is, with the same affectionate disposition; and he has ever been as a son, both to my brother and to myself. Indeed there are few young men like him. nid tine

How long the praises of Mr. Arundel might have been continued, is uncertain; but at this moment, dinner was announced, and Edward came forward to support Mrs. Elizabeth into the dining room. и то эотдав

He declared himself master of the establishmentut I am, said he, with a would be serious countenance, and pompous voice, 'Colonel Edward Sinclair. Remember, John, I am to be obeyed,' continued he, to the old servant, who appeared as though he had grown grey in his master's service. During dinner, Mrs. Elizabeth once mildly expostulated with Edward, for making the ser vants smile by his vagaries; and he excused himself by declaring, that it was only the overflowings of the