"Not at all," said Mr. Inman, laughing, 'to one who knows her as well as myself. Besides, the poor girl being in some measure dependant upon her, she is exactly the sort of woman to make her feel it, on all occasions.' viscoqa bo Then in my opinion,' answered Mrs. Middleton, 'she cancels the obligation. A truly generous person would shrink from the very shadow of such a feeling; for I look upon it as an act of cruelty to the mind, completely overbalancing any other favour.' 'I perfectly coincide with you, replied Mr. Inman, rising, but I have far to ride this morning; and must now, I fear, say good bye.' In the evening Mrs. Middleton told Helen that Mr. Sinclair had been seen in Geneva; at the same time, carefully concealing the more distressing portion of the intelligence. Though Helen wept, she felt thankful that he was yet alive; and a faint indefinite hope possessed her mind, that he might one day be restored to society and home. She expressed this hope to Mrs. Middleton, who knew perfectly well the improbability of its ever being realized; nevertheless, she soothed and comforted her, under the saddening reality, which perforce dispelled the pleasing delusion. Thus, did Mrs. Middleton's kindness endear her to Helen; whilst she herself was gaining an attached friend in the warm-hearted girl, whom cold indifference, or formal politeness, would have utterly chilled and blighted. Of all classes, those of governess and companion are undoubtedly the least understood; if not the least valued, especially the former. It must not, however, be understood that we take up arms in the cause of the whole community, nor in the defence of those unprincipled persons, who are as the "hireling shepherd," taking high salaries, whilst they neglect, and too often undermine, the morals of those intrusted to their care. No, to them let the odium attach, for they alone have a right to bear it. Well would it be if parents in general would be more cautious, to whom they deliver up the solemn trust of forming minds for eternity. Childhood is the bud of life, and all its many leaves are folded; but how many a flower is despoiled of its promised fragrance, by the touch of a rude and unskilful hand. Outward accomplishments and graces may be given, which, though pleasing in themselves, are in every step of life a wretched substitute for the graces of the mind. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Does not this prove how much depends upon the instructor? Again, when such persons, who in every material quality, reach the required standard, are found by careful enquiry or by what the world terms chance, how often are they undervalued, their cares rewarded by indifference, and their minds, refined by principle and education, constantly pained by slights and insults, which can be deeply felt but not expressed. Alas! to them, one might too often apply the exquisite lines of Scotia's favourite bard. "Dearly bought the hidden treasure, BURNS. CHAPTER VIII.. "En songeant qu'on doit oublier, on s'en souvient." Several weeks had elapsed since Mr. Inman's call at Oakwood; the most constant visitor at the hall had been Mr. Cavendish, always on some plausible pretext or other. He generally contrived to remain over the evening, still there was so little openness in the attentions he was ever on the watch to pay to Helen; that whilst on the one hand she tacitly received them, on the other. they secretly mortified and irritated her: nor were these feelings lessened by the continual thorn of self-reproach, which rankled in her bosom. The maid who attended upon the little girls entered the room, where Helen and her pupils sat busily engaged, with a perfect labyrinth of German wools. 'If you please Miss Sinclair, there is a gentleman in the library who asked for you.' 'For me! Mary, who is it?' said Helen. 'I never heard his name ma'am,' answered Mary, 'but John said he was very good looking; '-and Mary va nished. و ほっこ Helen felt ashamed of the telltale-blush which was mantling on her cheek; and shaking off the many colours which clung to her dress, prepared to meet whoever it might be. Who can he be, thought Helen-she was a second with the handle of the door in her hand, ere she ventured to open it, wishing if possible to hear a voice. All was however silent she entered; and standing with his back turned to her, examining the books, stood one, whom she immediately recognized-Charles! He turned, and Helen threw her arms round his neck. Where have you come from? Why did you come? Are they all well?' were questions she asked in rapid Charles smiled at her earnestness, whilst he replied 'I came from Cambridge to see you; and last week I heard that my mother was improving rapidly.' And are you going home now?' asked Helen. 'No,' answered Charles, 'I am on my way to visit our old friend Mr. Harcourt, before I again settle down in College; perhaps I may go into Cumberland too, for I want to see how poor Ned goes on. Mary too, should be got forwards now; if Sophia cannot manage by herself, you must go home Helen, instead of playing la gou vernante here 'I should be glad,' answered Helen, 'to do any thing |