the tears which struggled for mastery, 'perhaps his loss may be his gain, as well as my own; that may be the gracious answer vouchsafed to my earnest prayers.

And she remained silent, whilst Helen hastened to bring a restorative, which had been prescribed for Mrs. Middleton when fatigued or too much excited.

In about a week Louisa and Adelaide returned from school; they were much pleased to find Helen at Oakwood; but their joy was greatly damped by the recollection of the invalid who was anxiously waiting to see and embrace her children.

The sound of their young voices almost overcame Mrs. Middleton; and her husband fearing she would faint, put his arm tenderly round her, saying, 'It is too much for you my love, do not see them yet.'

'I am quite equal to it,' said she in a faint whisper, 'and shall be better when I have seen them.'

The door opened gently, and they entered: Mrs. Middleton folded them to her bosom in silence; and though they carefully avoided agitating their beloved parent, Helen was shocked at the expression of alarm which passed over their faces.

When they left the room, which they did immediately after having seen their mamma, the two girls (now no longer children) burst into tears. Louisa sobbed as though her very heart would break; whilst Adelaide literally clung round Helen's neck in an agony of irrepressible grief.

For a short time Helen allowed them to weep in silence, and then pressed upon them the necessity of controlling their feelings, even for the sake of her, whose affliction cost them so much to witness. At length her arguments proved effectual; and in an hour they rejoined their papa and mamma, looking perfectly calm, though a deep and bitter sorrow had entered each young heart.

Louisa and Adelaide appeared to unite every effort in attendance upon their mamma; Adelaide's springing step was now measured, and her gleeful laugh silenced, as she stole up and down the house; whilst Louisa was ready to comply with a wish ere it could well be uttered; and it was with difficulty they could either of them be prevailed upon to leave Mrs. Middleton, even for a walk or a drive, which Helen as chief nurse insisted upon, fearing the influence of so much confinement in a sick room might prove injurious to their health; and particularly to Louisa, who had always appeared so much to resemble her mother both in constitution and appear

CHAPTER XVI.

"Forgive the wish that would have kept thee here
And stayed thy progress to the realms of bliss."

Of course many enquiries after the invalid were sent from the numerous circle who formed their acquaintance; but as Mrs. Middleton was positively forbidden to see any one, except her own family, very few persons called at the hall; and the notes of enquiry were generally answered by Helen.

One morning she was thus engaged, when a caller was announced; and to her great surprise, at the moment, the well-known name of Cavendish resounded through the room. She remained an instant apparently finishing the note ere she rose, and that moment sufficed to breathe an unuttered prayer for guidance; and bowing very politely as he advanced, she at the same time desired the servant to acquaint Mr. Middleton with the arrival of Mr. Cavendish.

Mr. Cavendish slightly raised his eyebrows at the marked coldness, or rather easy indifference, of Helen's manner; he was not however a person to be thrown off his guard; and though he felt surprised, that was all, his manner at first being perfectly free from the least shadow of embarrassment.

'I found you were here Miss Sinclair,' began Mr. Cavendish, from accidentally seeing a note in your handwriting, lying upon Mrs. Thoreton's work table. Had I known sooner that you had again honoured Oakwood by your presence, I should earlier have done myself the pleasure of calling upon you.'

Helen expressed herself much obliged by his politeness; whilst a third person would doubtless have been highly amused to have noticed the unusual gravity of her face, and the curious expression which that of Mr. Cavendish displayed at her laconic answers.

A slight pause followed, when he remarked, 'It must, I am sure, be painful to you Miss Sinclair, to find your, or rather our old friend, Mrs. Middleton, in such an indifferent state of health.'

'It is indeed quite a trial to me,' answered Helen, (relieved at the turn conversation was now taking) 'but she is, I am thankful to say, perfectly happy and resigned to the will of God.'

Mr. Cavendish started, saying, with some degree of real anxiety, 'You do not really think her in danger? My dear Miss Sinclair, I hope your affection for Mrs. Middleton magnifies her illness.'

Helen's voice trembled with painful emotion, as she

Treplied, That there now remained but a slender hope of her ultimate recovery adspredt bas pr

6

Je Indeed I was not aware of this,' said he in a tone of

deep regret, 'or I should have called sooner; Inam

really and truly sorry; Mrs. Middleton was ever one

Do you then intend remaining long here? of Lucannot say,' answered Helen, duty will call me away should Mrs. Middleton be any better; but if, as I fear will be the case, she should still become worse, I shall most certainly remain with her.'

A pause followed, and Helen heartily wished that Mr. Cavendish would either take his leave, or that Mr. Middleton would enter: but neither circumstance occurred; and he continued, with some hesitation, Have you been in Cumberland, Miss Sinclair, ever since you left were here?'

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'Not exactly,' rejoined Helen, 'I have several times visited in Yorkshire, having many friends there.

Indeed! he replied, 'I know Yorkshire pretty well myself; what part of the county do you know best?? 'I know several different places,' answered Helen, 'but Holme Park is one and another.) T "Holme Park!' echoed he, does not a Colonel Graham reside there? but I think he is unmarried.mobi 'Yes,' replied Helen, he is quite an old man, and has a sister and nephew living with him?..

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