was to be sought for; and it was only when Mr. Middleton was from home, (a circumstance which frequently occurred,) that she was really Mrs. Middleton's companion; justly considering, that her presence in general, could only prove a restraint; instead of promoting the comfort of those, whom she so much wished to please.

Le vieillard Aîlé, still kept on his ceaseless flight, and Helen thought, he never flew so swiftly before. A day of happiness seems ever shorter than an hour of sorrow; the one, is a gleam of bright sunshine, fading away ere we mark its existence; the other, a gathering cloud, which perchance only disperses, by making us fully sensible of its influence. Yet a sunbeam is never sweeter, than when its rays glisten on the pearly drops, which the dark cloud hath left, in the half-closed petals of a flower, rendered more fragrant by the union of the two; and we never truly estimate joy, until we have tasted the cup of sorrow.

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In this imperfect scene, a chaplet of flowers must needs be interwoven with thorns; it is our legitimate right, and our blessing, that it should be so. Even if we are indeed "heirs of the kingdom, through faith in Christ; " whilst here below, we need much reminding. Thorns are the fruits of sin; and what without Christ Dave we but these to offer? The few flowers we find scattered in the path of life, are unmerited and undeserved mercies, emanating from that Being, whose attribute is "love"-for "His delights are with the children of

11

bst There is no lesson affection cannot easily learn,"

Mr. Cavendish had been more frequently to the Hall than usual; sometimes for the nominal purpose of seeing Mr. Middleton; but whenever Helen happened to be present, his calls were generally prolonged; and though she would have been unwilling to have acknowledged it, she felt a degree of pleasure, whenever he joined the evening circle.

"Helen's unsophisticated mind was new to him: he soon perceived that she could understand and enter into the elegance and talent of his own; and he lost no opportunity of ingratiating himself at Oakwood Hall. She liked him as a friend; indeed she felt grateful for the interest he took in her tastes and pursuits ; and looked up to his opinion as one far superior" r" to her own-dangerous ground for any girl to stand upon yet, upon this crumbling foundation, she rested confidently; and as she deemed, safely.

For a long time Helen had anxiously contemplated a visit into Cumberland; her sister Sophia, whom we must now introduce to our readers, having in several letters, mentioned Mrs. Sinclair's declining health not that Helen was aware of the full extent of her mother's malady, the intelligence had been so cautiously communicated; yet, latterly it had been sufficient to create co siderable alarm in her mind. Oh! could they whom providence has blessed with plenty on their entrance upon life; know how many a bitter evil arises from wasting it, the view would startle them with dismay. The cloud which hangs over the might have been cheerful hearth, embittering for years every comfort still in possession; souring the temper, and withering every social feeling, at length bursts, and leaves a helpless family without redress; too often, at the very time they most keenly feel their loss. Just, perhaps, at the entrance into life, when usually the young mind is full of hope and anticipation, their's is weighed down by the pressure of sorrow's heavy hand; and the bud which should have opened on a summer's sun, is blighted by an untimely frost..

It must not be understood, however, that the care which absorbs all right feeling; and is continually "cumbered" for the things of this present scene, to the exclusion of things which "are eternal," is advocated. The each are equally ruinous to the soul's Consequences

immortal good.

B Fortune, rank, and power, are "talents" committed to our keeping; and they who misuse or abuse them, in any way, are undoubtedly sinful in His sight, whose eyelids try the children of men.2191391

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Helen bade adieu to her kind friends at the Hall, and a carriage conveyed her to where she took the mail. There is something in travelling alone, which causes the mind to turn upon past events. Years gone never to return, rush back upon the memory; bringing forcibly to our mind long forgotten hopes and fears,

The friends we have just parted from seem doubly dear; we fly back on les ailes de l'esprit, to where we have seen them last: we view them in their accustomed places, and one alone is vacant 'tis our own,

Tears rushed involuntarily into her eyes, as these recollections flitted across her mind, and then with thought's ready alacrity, it bore her in anticipation, into the midst of those, whom she so soon expected to meet. On the evening of the second day after Helen left Oakwood, she arrived at K- hired another conveyance, and in half an hour reached home.

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There was a time when the idea of travelling such a distance by coach alone, would have appeared impracticable to her; but now she was well aware, in her present circumstances, that such feelings could only arise from a false and hurtful pride; and therefore she fortified herself against them.

Sophia and Mary had been watching for her arrival, and the sisters met in a fond embrace: Helen anxiously enquired after her mamma's health, but unable to finish the agitated sentence, she burst into tears. Sophia led her up stairs, and allowed her to weep without attempting to prevent it; well knowing by her own bitter experience, that tears are sometimes the greatest relief that can be afforded, to the overwrought mindfille

At length Sophia, in the soft calm tone of voice peculiar to her, said, 'Do not weep so dear Helen, though it is indeed distressing; we have still some hopes; Dr. Mackenzie believes that time may restore mamma's mind to its former tone; she is never so happy as when we converse on religious topics, this alone should give us some comfort.' I

sad.'

Yes, said Helen, sobbing bitterly, but it is so very

"It is, answered Sophia, whilst tears coursed down her own cheek; but "it is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good." Hitherto he has given me strength to proceed in the way of duty; and he will raise us up in due time.'

In this manner they conversed some time, until Mary ran up to tell them that Mrs. Sinclair had enquired for Sophia

Then go down,' said Sophia, 'and tell mamma very gently, that we are coming in; mind you say they' DoMary did as she was desired, and they followed; though Helen trembled so excessively, that she could scarcely walk.