mentioned by Adeline, though her thoughts could wander to the most trivial details upon every other subject. As the idea of her own altered situation with regard to him, since the marriage of her sister, rushed across her mind, a sweet and secret hope stole into her heart, which suffused her previously pallid face with a deep glow, and occasioned her tears to fall with increased profusion upon the paper. So soft and soothing was the sensation she now experienced, that she sought not to control its expression, and wept for some time; until new misgivings overshadowing her mind, she called her pride to her assistance, dried up her tears, and exclaimed to herself. "Let me not yield to this weakness, this delusion—it is all over-I have rejected him-he is offended, alienated for ever! Oh, Adeline! Adeline! is it possible that you can ever have loved-that having once loved you can so soon forget-nay, that having once loved such a man you could ever, ever transfer your affections to another? How differently must our hearts be formed! I had long renounced hope, and yet I could not VOL. III. F eradicate the stubborn passion which had en- sister! I fear you have thrown away your own happiness, and I feel, acutely feel, that you have unnecessarily occasioned me to make a sacrifice of mine!" Endeavouring, at Lady Trevanian's approach, to suppress her own emotions, that she might not aggravate those of her mother, she put the letter into her hands without speaking; and, though her Ladyship had long held her feelings in such subjection as to defy their betraying themselves in her countenance, Helen observed, with pain, a deep glow of fire spreading itself over her features as she proceeded to read the contents. It passed away, however, as rapidly as it had manifested itself; and as she recovered her self-possession, a bitter smile played about her mouth, according but too well with the scornful glance of her eye, as she tossed down the letter upon the table, and exclaimed, in a voice that trembled with suppressed agitation, So, then, this is the reward I am to expect from my children! After having loved them with a foolish fondness, after having sacrificed everything for their sakes, I am to look for nothing in return but indifference, ingratitude, contempt !" In spite of all her efforts, her whole frame shook with passionate emotion as she uttered these last words; and she was preparing to quit the room, to conceal the effect of this unwelcome intelligence, when Helen threw her arms about her neck, and affectionately kissing her, while the tears fell fast upon her bosom, sobbed out, "Oh, no, no, no, my dearest mother! look for nothing but love and obedience. When have I ever been ungrateful ?" With one of those sudden transitions to which her feelings were subject, Lady Trevanian instantly softened from wrath to tenderness: she pressed her daughter fondly to her heart, repeatedly kissed her forehead and cheek, and, as she gazed upon her with a glistening eye, exclaimed, “Forgive me, Helen, forgive me. I meant not my reproaches for you. You have ever been, as I am sure you ever will be, the most dutiful, the best of daughters. But for Adeline the thoughtless, unfilial—” She paused, and again a gush of maternal love ascended from her heart, and slightly agitated the muscles of her face, as she exclaimed, in a tremulous voice, "My poor Adeline! Could I indeed be sure that she was happy-!" Helen urged the presumption of Captain Gahagan's attachment, since there could be no other inducement to the marriage, and the consequent possibility of its proving a happy one. Lady Trevanian shook her head sorrowfully; for her own experience painfully suggested to her the consequences of a hasty and ill-assorted union: but she shortly recovered her tranquillity, and proceeded to consult with Helen as to the proper measures to be adopted in consequence of this intelligence. It was decided, that it should be instantly communicated to Lord Trevanian, suggesting the propriety of his instituting some inquiry into Captain Gahagan's character and connections, and leaving to himself the adoption of whatever other steps might be deemed necessary. The letter was accordingly written and dispatched; and in a few days the following answer was received from his Lordship's secretary : "MADAM, "I am directed by my Lord to acknowledge the receipt of your Ladyship's letter, and to declare to you that his Lordship was not in the smallest degree surprized at the intelligence it communicated, since he could hardly expect any other result from the example that his daughters have received, and considers their mother entirely responsible for their misconduct, whatever it may be. "As it is not his Lordship's intention to notice Mr. Gahagan, I am desired to add that he declines making any inquiries, or interfering in the affair. I have the honour to be, Your Ladyship's Most obedient humble Servant, CHARLES FENTON." This precious epistle was meant to be particularly cutting, to wound the person to whom |