EMILY MORTON. CHAPTER I. "Oh Love! what is it in this world of ours, BYRON. "How soon he has changed his opinion," said Mrs. Morton to her daughter Emily, "and how very different his conduct appears from the intentions he expressed when here! Still, I am less surprised at what has been done than the rapidity with which he must have come to his decision. For my part, I do not like marriages which are hastily contracted they seldom prove happy ones; B but read that portion of the letter again, dear." my Emily, complying with her mother's request, read as follows: "I dare say you have heard that Edward is shortly to be married; and I have no doubt you will participate in the pleasure it affords me, when you learn that the marriage will be a source of great advantage to him. I am much pleased, because I am sure it will rid him of those romantic notions which have so often annoyed me, and make him what I desire him to be,—a man of rank and opulence. I shall give you due notice of the ceremony, and hope you and Emily will be present." "I suppose, then," said Mrs. Morton, "Edward declines entering the Church, and intends remaining at home; well, well, his father must, of course, know what is best for him; but, for my own part, I am sure he would have been happier as a minister than he ever will be otherwise. What say you, Emily ?" "I think so, too," replied Emily. "Edward," continued Mrs. Morton, "is one, who, with perseverance, will attain eminence in almost any profession; he has much good sense, and that, Emily, is the basis of all that is valuable and admirable in life. I am sorry, very sorry, he should deem it advisable to follow what, to me, appears the narrow-minded path marked out for him by his father, in preference to the nobler one he had himself selected. But it is possible he may have given up the pursuit of that which he desired, to please his father; and, therefore, much as I am disposed to differ with him in opinion, I cannot help feeling pleased with this fresh proof of his obedience." Emily blushed, and hung down her head, as her mother spoke thus favourably of Edward; her embarrassment did not, however pass unnoticed by Mrs. Morton, who, after some further conversation on an indifferent subject, left the room. CHAPTER II. "In sooth, I know not why I am so sad, It wearies me-you say, it wearies you, But how I found it, caught it, or came by it, I have to learn. " SHAKSPEARE. THE sun had left the horizon, but a remnant of his glory still lay resplendant in the west, when Emily Morton entered the garden attached to Longwood House. She wandered up and down some of its walks, and looked upon its flowers, not with an of tenderness and love, as she was wont to do, but vacantly. She knew not why, but still they did not seem so beautiful as they did yesterday. Entering the arbour, she sate down on its rustic bench. She took from the seat a book, some of the pages eye up |