descended to avow. "You know," said he, "the sad history of my lost, or rather of my missing parents. I have a strong persuasion that they are still alive-a visionary perhaps, but a deep, ineradicable conviction, that I am destined one day to learn their fate, it may be to be instrumental in discovering them; and I have for many years past made a compact with my own soul, that when my wardship expired I would proceed to India, in the hope of ascertaining their doom. Without redeeming this pledge, I could neither live nor die in peace. That duty must, indeed, be a solemn one, which could urge me to tear myself from your side, as soon as circumstances may allow it, to perform this long purposed voyage. Had I been in the army or navy, we might have been compelled to endure a similar, or a longer separation; and I trust, that you will not object to one of which the object is so holy, and of which the duration will assuredly be as short as possible, since my return will bring me back to happiness and to yourself."

"A separation," said Helen, "would be doubtless painful to us both, but it is much better than an accusing conscience, that would for ever be telling you of an unfulfilled ∞ venant. For myself, I can bear any thing that has the sanction of duty. I shall be authorized to claim the protection of Mr. Goldingham, and I would endeavour to beguile the time of your absence, by the sweet hope that you might bring me back your real parents, to divide with him our joint duty and affection."

Reuben testified his sense of these noble and generous sentiments by a fresh burst of gra titude; and Helen, on her part, stipulated that he should obtain the consent of Lord Tre vanian; adding, that she could already answer for her mother's joyful, acquiescence, and suggesting, that he should communicate his intentions to Mr. Goldingham. To these preliminary arrangements, he of course, joyfully consented; and after another lengthened

con

versation, that bathed his whole heart in de

light, he at length tore himself

away,

and

hurried home, to communicate the happiness

that had made so sudden and so total a change in all his thoughts, feelings, and prospects.

"Odsbobs! boy? what! what! what!" ejaculated Goldingham, before he had half finished his statement; marry Helen Trevanian! You don't mean to say, that you have won her affections ?"

"She has confessed as much," said Reuben, "in a manner as bewitching as the acknowledgment itself was flattering."

"Give me your hand, Reuben, give me your hand. You are a cleverer fellow than I took you to be. Never thought you were equal to such a capital hit: make a man of you. What! Helen Trevanian! Adod! boy, she's a jewel, a paragon, a phoenix, a bird of Paradise -zooks! she's a thousand times better, for she's a woman of business; knows what's what says the right thing in the right place; neither humdrum nor hoity-toity; clever, longheaded girl! Helen Trevanian! give you joy, Reuben, give you joy, hem!"-Slipping a lump of sugar into his mouth at these words, he walked up and down the room, rising on his

toes, so as to give a swing to the broad, heavy skirts of his coat, and snapping his fingers with delight. After which he stopped short, and said with an altered look and tone-" There is one thing, however, sadly against her."

'Indeed, Sir," exclaimed Reuben alarmed"I was not aware of the smallest possible objection."

"Oh no, Sir, of course not; lovers are not in the habit of seeing objections. I allude to

her fortune."

to

Surely, Sir, you are joking. I value not wealth, indeed, myself, but little thought hear you urge it as a disadvantage.” "No disadvantage to you, perhaps, Mr. Reu

ben, but a material one to me.

What, Sir! do

you think I will go suing for her hand in formâ pauperis? Remember, Sir, I have no birth to boast of, no title beyond that of a British merchant, and though I see no good reason why my adopted son should not aspire to the daughter of the proudest Don in England, (hem!) I confess that I should not like him to be upon unequal terms as to money.

Under

my management the wreck of your poor father's estate, has produced for you a little fortune of about five thousand pounds, so that you see it will cost me just fifteen thousand to enable you to take as much as you are to receive."

"My dear Sir, you quite overwhelm me with your generosity; but surely, surely it is unnecessary, and I cannot think of receiving-"

"Lookye, silly boy. Didn't I bid ten thousand for your life to the blustering knave Jeffreys-more than your head was worth, you unlucky, I mean you lucky dog? Well, I only paid one; there was nine thousand saved; five of your own makes fourteen; so that I shall only have to lose six after all.”

"Indeed, indeed, Sir, grateful as I am for your liberality, there is not the smallest necessity"

"Hold your tongue, sirrah. What! is Sir Josiah Child to give fifty thousand with his daughter, and may not my adopted son have twenty? Not a word more; I will not meet