what is generally termed a fair man, but without the slightest approach to effeminacy; pleasing and gentlemanly in his manners, which were very lively, forming francomplete contrast to the softened gravity of Mrs. Middleton's demeanour. Helen felt inexpressibly relieved that the dreaded meeting was over. Such a revulsion of feeling can even a few moments suffice to accomplish. The evening passed in cheerful conversation: both Mr. and Mrs. Middleton equally regretted the inconvenience Helen had been subjected to; and ere she retired, had, by the kindness of their manner, rendered her completely at ease.

That night Helen tripped up stairs with a much lighter step than she had done for some time past; and when inther own apartment, offered up her thanks-givings to the "Giver of all good," who had thus placed her where she appeared likely to meet with kindness...

The next morning, the little girls resumed their studies, and displayed much quickness, with well-tutored minds, the fruits of a mother's care and watchfulness.

Louisa was a grave child, of about twelve years of age, resembling her mother in the dark hue of her eyes and hair, united with the same delicacy of complexion; whilst little Adelaide, two years younger, was all animation, with her bright blue eyes, and fair hair curling in rich profusion, even to her shoulders.

The morning tasks completed, the children insisted upon Helen's making a tour of discovery round the

house and grounds, which now presented a more cheering aspect; the rain had ceased; the wind was once more hushed into repose; and a few struggling sunbeams endeavoured to force an entrance through the clouds, which yet hung sullenly around the horizon. Oakwood Hall could boast of having borne the storms of many centuries. The style of architecture was chiefly Elizabethan; and the deeply-mullioned windows were many of them partly composed of stained glass, bearing the arms of families now mouldering in the dust, and remembered only by the carved tombs, or, still preserved records of their names and deeds. The massive style of the chimney pieces particularly arrested Helen's attention; nor were there wanting many a quaint device and flowery wreath, to adorn the marble of which they were chiefly composed.

The apartments were furnished with an elegance of taste, in perfect keeping with all around; no ostentatious display of ornament was visible; extremes were avoided; and, whilst the luxuries befitting their fortune were not forgotten, that lavish profusion, which frequently converts a modern drawing room into a fashionable receptacle for the toys of grown up children, did not appear in the aristocratic-looking tout ensemble, which Oakwood Hall presented to the eye of a stranger. It was surrounded, nay almost embosomed, amid fine old timber, consisting principally of oaks; though so judiciously arranged, as not to impede the views presented from the different windows. The grounds were extensive; laid out chiefly in shrubberies, with winding walks, and grassy dells; yet there were flowers too, now indeed blighted and few, but in summer delighting the lover of nature's charms, with the brilliancy of their colouring and the fragrance of their odour.

Could Helen have divested herself of the reminiscences of days gone bye, never to return, she would have felt an unalloyed pleasure in following the steps of her little companions; but sometimes a tree-sometimes a nook, would but too forcibly remind her of the home she * once enjoyed, but now had relinquished for ever, and seen pass into the hands of strangers. This threw a chill over her naturally buoyant spirits; and Mrs. Middleton remarked to her husband, 'that Miss Sinclair must have known much sorrow, for there was a subdued appearance about her, unnatural to so young a person.' 'Poor girl!' he replied, 'well, we must make her happy if we find her worthy our friendship: I must say, her appearance and manners are prepossessing.'

A few weeks soon glided away, and Helen gradually became completely at home; whilst Mrs. Middleton fancied the Sinclairs must have seen better days, according to what the world counts good; but as Helen evidently avoided the subject, her delicacy of feeling would have for ever kept her silent; for Mrs. Middleton was one who could not knowingly inflict pain, by word or deed,

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to those around her. Unlike many, who merely to gratify an idle curiosity, will probe a wound, which rankles at every touch; and though the pain they inflict, is sufficiently evident, this even proves insufficient to put an end to their unchristian conduct. How unlike our divine example, who will "not break the bruised reed." Mrs. Middleton, however, had drunk deep of this lovely and genuine spirit of the gospel: and the fruits of it were manifested in her daily walk and conversation. Even they who despised religion itself, as enthusiasm, were constrained to admit the force of it in her thus she adorned the "gospel of Christ," causing it to be "well spoken of;" and Helen soon learnt to love Mrs. Middleton. At first she had felt a degree of restraint in the novelty of her situation, but it soon disappeared; and the letter which she despatched to her sister, was filled with satisfactory accounts of her present comforts; whilst a few still lingering regrets escaped, involuntarily, from her pen.

Those who have never experienced the frowns of fortune, or, properly speaking, any of the afflictive dispensations of an all-wise providence, can scarcely be expected to lend so sympathising an ear to the woes of others, as they who have themselves tasted of the bitter cup of adversity. Nevertheless, whilst prosperity still continues to gild each passing hour, and the rich rejoice every morning in the abundance they possess, and which is bestowed upon them "richly to enjoy," never should they cease to remember, that "every good and every perfect gift" is from God; and that we possess nothing as our legitimate portion, except sin, and its consequences: all besides, countless though it be, is of free and unlimited mercy.

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