Joyce solemnly protested "that he had not-that, in his that I deserve it, but that you might feel how blest it is, burning indignation, he had of late often been ready to calling you mine, to love so well. Do you not envy me, league himself with those who were called conspirators; dearest?" And he smiled upon her.

man to come forward."

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but that doubts of the purity or of the disinterestedness of Why envy the felicity in which I fully share? And their motives, the counsels of Dr. Fitzmaurice, who detested now it is not only who loves best, but who shall love best the French Republicans, and his affection for herself, had the longest," returned Florence. And with such rapturous held him back-until now that affairs had assumed the hi- broken jargon, intermingled with long reveries "silent deous aspect which made it the duty of every patrotic Irish- and happy," the married lovers had reached the outskirts of Brigadier-General Moore's camp, before they were "Then, dear Jack," said Florence, cheerfully, "I shall aware; and Florence remembered that here perhaps she try to place faith in the consolation Dr. Fitzmaurice gave might be separated from her husband. There was no mne at parting, and cherish the hope that your arrest is but misery to be compared with that. Yet Florence placed a part of the panic-spreading system pursued at this mo- strong reliance upon the well-known character of this brave ment, to reconcile British alarmists to the dreadful state of and humane commander, with whom she had the advanthis country. Unfortunately, in relation to poor Ireland, all tage of being personally acquainted, as he had lately the British are alarmists; but when a panic is no longer passed some days at Portmullina upon a tour of inspecneeded, you will be set at liberty." tion. With several of the aides-de-camp, and the younger

"I trust it will be so, dearest: life was never half so pre- English officers of the corps now in camp, she was still cious to me as now." better acquainted; as, during the winter and early spring, “And I am almost so selfish as to be glad of this arrest, they had been quartered in her neighbourhood, and “the since it takes you out of the way of harm for a few months, ball's gay partners." That the public service would be in though to a prison, if I may share it. If the insurrection any way compromised to accommodate her or her husshall spread to our quarter, how could you have remain-band, Florence neither wished nor hoped; yet she formed ed neutral?—and, indeed, indeed, Jack—to say all—I fear strong expectations that those pleasant and gallant gentlethat, as a wife, I might not have proved quite so heroic as men, who had passed so many hours in their society would I have sometimes imagined myself. And yet, for poor feel interest in their fortunes, and grant the kindness upon Ireland! our own dear land-on which I am gazing!-which she felt that her very life hung-not to separate her dearer for its wrongs and sufferings-oh, what would I from her husband in the crisis of his fate. In their rapid not peril!" nocturnal journey, they had heard a rumour that Corn"I have told you the truth, and the whole truth, Flo- wallis had reached the camp, and that the forces were conrence," said Joyce, anxiously; “but there is one thing for centrating to this point. Florence, when this intelligence which you must be prepared. I have no doubt whatever was ascertained to be fact, would not permit herself in the that Father Mike has used my name in many of his pro- disheartening belief that increased power would give any jects and transactions, the better to serve his secret pur. English commander the inclination to refuse so natural a poses; and you know how eagerly evidence is sought, and prayer as hers.

how obtained, at this time, against obnoxious individuals." They were now upon the verge of the camp, the white The cheek of Florence blenched. This was a view of tents of which and piles of arms were seen on the hill-side, the matter which she had not taken. glittering in the morning sun. The bivouac fire-smokes "Then we are betrayed!" she exclaimed bitterly, wring. were rising in still, clear air; while the English troops, ing the fettered hands of her husband. "And I have no the German hussars, and plaided Scots, scattered in pichope-no consolation, save that, in life and death, we are turesque groups, dressed the horses and prepared their united."

“And, ah! dearest Florence, is not that much? to me at this moment it is everything," replied Joyce, in a tone of affectionate reproach. "In to-day and yesterday are Compressed the happiness of a thousand years-and now let fate do its worst upon me."

it

morning meal; and the stirring music of the reveillé, burst from fife and bugle-horn, and awoke all the echoes of the mountain. It was an inspiring scene; yet bitter was the feeling with which Joyce exclaimed-"Good God, my Florence! and is this we look upon the camp of the enemies of our country!"

A long pause followed, ere Florence breathed in his The officer commanding the escort now took the lead, ear" But one question more :-on the dark morning of and gave the pass-word. They were admitted within the my father's death, was my husband present with me?" lines; and permission was given to Mrs. Florence Joyce, of "Florence, I was!-You have long suspected it. If Castle Joyce, to be conducted to the tent of Lord Cornwallis. "If he have a heart he cannot deny me!" was her pas were wrong, forgive me-it was unintended. My servant hastily awoke me-from-may I tell it?-intem-sionate exclamation, in taking leave for a short half-hour perate sleep; and informed me of that fatal quarrel of our of her husband, who felt at the moment as if he were again fathers. Half distracted, I rowed across the bay-to wit-desolate.

ness- O Florence, if I had loved you before with the

(To be continued.)

madness of a passionate boy, from that hour I worship- A MATTER OF CHOICE.-Mr. T. H. was walking the other ped you; you were my life, my death, my fate :-my day with a peer down Bury-street, towards Braham's Theimagination was haunted by night and by day with one atre, when they came in full view of a large butcher's shop; sole absorbing idea:-but not your haughty coldness, on each side of the door was temptingly displayed a calf, not your girlish scorn of my pretensions, was ever half so so white and delicate, that to the eyes of a connoisseur exquisitely tormenting, as seeing, in my unhappy times, they would have been considered beautiful. Not so with the that, while despising, you perhaps loved me a little, and peer; with his handkerchief to his face while passing the very tenderly pitied me."

shop, and regarding the victims with a sidelong look of dis. Florence answered only with her tears and softest ca-gust, he exclaimed, " Anything in this created world would resses, and murmured confessions of her many faults. I rather be than a butcher!"-" Excuse me," said the wit; "And now," continued he, "How I wish that you, Flo-if you had the choice I'd wager you would rather be the rence, could love me but half as well as I do you!-not butcher than the calf!"-Court Journal.

VOL. XXVIII. JUNE, 1836.-78.

THE CHARITY SISTER.

A TALE.

BY THE HON. MRS. ERSKINE NORTON.

Trifles light as air

Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ.

OTHELLO.

From the Metropolitan. Jand dread; and some of her grown-up friends dreaded her also, for Rosabelle was too acute and observant, was an excellent mimic, and delighted in petty mischief; her little railleries and bon-mots were applauded and repeated, and many more than she ever said were, from various motives, attributed to her. All this tended to nourish a dangerous habit of mind; her father was condemned for not bringing her up like other children, and educating her selon les régles; and even those who loved her best, were not sorry to find that he had intended, from whatever motive, to withdraw her into retirement for a certain period. The step was at length decided on; the marquis, with a desperate Rosabelle de Clairville was the sole and motherless child effort, tore himself from Paris and Versailles, doubtful of a French nobleman of high rank in the court of Lewis whether he should be able even to breathe in another atthe Fifteenth her father the Marquis de Clairville, had mosphere, and regarding the sacrifice he thus made for his married late in life, and loved his little daughter as much fortune and his daughter, as an act of more than Roman as it was possible for an old French courtier to love any heroism. Rosabelle was between twelve and thirteen when thing. She was a beautiful, lively child; excessively in- she accompanied her father to his long-deserted château in dulged, but, thanks to the natural goodness of her disposi- Provence, the romantic and beautiful. tion, not spoiled. She was petulant, but affectionate; ex- About three years after their departure, a young English pecting attention, and accustomed to admiration; replete nobleman was presented, and exceedingly well received, at with talent, but idle, and apparently incapable of continued the French court. Lord Altamont was five-and-twenty: application; from her teachers and regular lessons she ac- his father had died early in his minority, and on coming of quired very little, but, at the same time, she learnt a great age he took possession of a very large fortune. He was deal that nobody taught her. Her dancing-master could now on his travels, and had visited some of the northern never succeed in drilling her into the stiff courtesy and courts, together with Vienna and Italy. It was his inten solemn step of the minuet de la cour, but in the cotillion tion, on leaving Paris, to proceed to the south, and take and lighter dances then in vogue, he equally failed to de- Madrid and Lisbon on his way home.

stroy the innate grace and elastic freedom of her move- Lord Altamont was a favourable specimen of his class ments. In music it was the same: "Mademoiselle has and country at that period. Grave, dignified, courteous; voice and ear," said the despairing professors," but we can lofty and firm in principle, full of spirit and honour; but teach her nothing." Her father sighed and frowned; but a somewhat cold and highly-polished exterior veiled in him Rosabelle would throw her arms around his neck, and warm and deep affections, and a sensibility, perhaps too sing his favourite troubadour ballad so sweetly, so simply, acute and irritable, mingled with a certain degree of roso feelingly, that even the heart of the old courtier asked, mance, which his close and habitual intercourse with the "Is not this music?" "Leave your daughter alone, world had not yet worn away. His abilities were of the marquis," said a sagacious female friend; "put within her reach all the means of education, and wait her time."

first order, and had been carefully and judiciously cultivated; he was ambitious, and looked forward to a brilliant career, intending, however, that his first object, on his return home, should be his marriage.

The marquis had been rich, but was so no longer; the profession of a courtier is a very expensive one, and he had come to the decision of placing his daughter en pen- He felt that in his choice of a wife he should be fastision, and retiring three or four years to his estate in the dious, and even peculiar; money he would rather she did south; but the observation of his friend, and the entreaties not possess; noble birth, high breeding, and beauty, were of his child, prevailed: Oh do not put me into that horrid indispensable; scrupulously correct not only in principle prison, dear papa! I shall dic-you will never see your and conduct, but in manners, dress, and conversation; like poor Rose again-let me go with you! I will pay such Caesar's wife, it was to be impossible to suspect her of attention to Monsieur l'Abbé and Mademoiselle Clery-levity; gentle and calin, but dignified, and even proud;and I shall be so happy and so free! not as we are at a magic circle was to be drawn around her, that all were Versailles; but I shall run about in real woods, and see to feel it impracticable to pass. He could recall to his real waterfalls, and gather wild flowers, and help the hay- memory no woman that, as his wife, he should entirely ap makers, and hear birds sing that are as free as myself, not prove of; his mother he thought might when young, have pent up in aviaries and gilt cages-and O papa! such a approached nearly to his beau idéal; but though an excelgarden as I will have!" And enchanted at the picture lent wife, eyen she had been wanting in that excessive conher imagination had drawn, she jumped, in spite of her jugal tenderness and devotion which he should expect. His little hoop-petticoat and high-heleed shoes, about the room sister was decorum itself; but whether she had a heart at in all the ecstacy of a true child of nature. " "Yes, indeed," all, was a question not yet solved. "One point I have inwardly exclaimed the marquis, " nature does play us quite decided on," and he glanced at the circle of graceful strange pranks sometimes! this child she intended for a and factitious beings that surrounded him, “I will never Swiss mountaineer; but it has pleased her capricious lady- marry a foreigner, and especially a French-woman." ship to place her in a French court, Her mother, a digni- Well, my lord," said the young and handsome Count fied descendant of the De Courci's, and her father-myself de Beauvilliers, advancing towards him," so you really have -!" The marquis shrugged his shoulders, and took a made up your mind to leave us for those barbarous counlarge pinch of snuff. tries of the south? You English have great courage-but Rosabelle was a privileged pet in the courtly circle in why did you not make Paris your bonne bouche, and have which her father moved; she could, without reproof, say quitted it only for England?"

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and do things no one else could say or do; the stiff little Lord Altamont had no intention of feeding the vanity demoiselles of her own age, who had now and then a peep of the Parisian, therefore took no notice of his queries; at home from their schools, regarded her with astonishment but said, as froin a sudden recollection, "By-the-by, count,

you have an uncle in Provence, an old friend of my father; I should have great pleasure in being introduced to him." "I will give you a letter-but, no," continued the count, archly, "I think I had better not, for there is la belle cousine, as well as the old uncle."

"True," replied Lord Altamont, "I have heard so; and, moreover, that she is to be madame la comtesse-is she not?"

the girl's laughter ceased, she looked round in dismay, and a blush, partly from fear and partly from anger, crimsoned her face and neck: "Sir, I beg you will give me my hat— it was quite unintentional-I saw nothing but the butterfly -let go my hand!" While she thus spoke, Lord Altamont gazed with admiration, and perhaps with too great freedom on the most perfectly beautiful face he ever beheld; at the same time his quick tact made him perceive "Ma foi replied the young Frenchman with a shrug. that she was no peasant girl. "You would have good "I scarce know myself whether she will be or no. My father reason to laugh at me," he said, " if I made no conditions; recommended our union on his death-bed, her father de- but I will not be severe with my lovely prisoner-allow me sires it; she cares nothing about it, no more do I: but this to replace the hat on your head, and that is all I ask," is the way we manage these matters here; our papas and She shook back her dark luxuriant hair, and looked up mammas are so obliging as to take all the trouble off our to him timidly yet confidingly; he raised the hat from his hands."

own head, (away flew the butterfly,) and placed it gently and becomingly on hers: he would tie it, and the bow which she could have fastened in a moment, he took (from his inexperience, no doubt) fully three minutes to arrange; but he kept his word: and she bounded back through the aperture with the fleetness of a fawn, and disappeared he could scarcely tell how or in what direction.

Lord Altamont was received in the kindest and most hospitable manner by the old marquis, who ordered an apart

"Ha! that would be quite another thing: you go and ment immediately to be prepared for him, and pressed him marry her, my lord, and bring her to Paris, and I promise to fall in love with her directly."

Thank you," replied the Englishman, "but why not accompany ine?'

to become his guest for as long a time as he could spare. Having dressed for dinner, his lordship proceeded to the saloon where the marquis introduced to him the usual guests of a great man's table in retirement. Monsieur "Not now, it is impossible: I have," continued the count, l'Abbé, a secretary, the parish priest, the family lawyer, speaking slowly, and turning his eye-glass towards a lady, and the family physician. But Lord Altamont felt more "une petite affaire de cœur, which nothing could induce me interested when on the opening of a door at the upper end to break off at this critical moment." of the apartment the marquis said, "Allow me to introduce It was a beautiful spring morning when Lord Altamont you to my daughter, Mademoiselle de Clairville-Rosabelle, caught the first glimpse of the Château de Clairville, charm. Lord Altamont, the son of the esteemed friend you have so ingly situated on the slope of a hill; beyond it the blue often heard me mention." A young lady followed by her waters of the Mediterranean, that loveliest and mildest of governess, advanced; the camblet petticoat and laced bod seas, danced and sparkled in the sunbeams; all around dice were exchanged for a silk robe and an ornamented bore an air of cultivation, improvement, and cheerfulness; stomacher, the wildly-flowing tresses were gathered up and Lord Altamont left his carriage, ordering it to proceed to carefully disposed curl above curl, but still she was the the gate of the principal avenue, and to wait there for him, samne, the heroine of his morning's adventure, the lightwhile he himself strolled up a green, shaded, and flowery footed butterfly hunter, the beautiful owner of the blue. lane, evidently leading to the same point. He lingered ribboned hat! along it, in the full enjoyment of all that the songs of birds, What detains Lord Altamont so long at Clairville? the scent of violets, the wild roses clustering along the Week after week glides by, and still he is there! Madrid hedges, and the ground carpeted with daisies, could give; and Lisbon are forgotten: his home itself ceases to be he lingered in a sort of mental intoxication, thinking of longed for: his ambitious projects sleep, and the fancy nothing and enjoying every thing, when he was startled by formed image of his stately bride is altogether obliterated; a laugh near him, then a light quick footstep, and through all his wise and prudent resolutions are upset, and by whom? an aperture of the hedge sprung a girl dressed en paysan- —a wild French girl, a regular petite étourdie—a graceful, ne, her hair loose over her shoulders, and in her hand aa beautiful romp certainly, yet a mere romp, scarcely out broad straw hat with blue ribbons, with which she was of the nursery. True, she was all this; but had she been hunting a superb butterfly. Lord Altamont stopped, and only this, she would never have won her English lover. according to the polite usage of those times, instinctively She was open and artless as the day; her temper, though took off his travelling-cap-when, lo! the fatigued butterfly impatient, was generous and endearing; her affections rested on his head, and in an instant the broad straw hat, blue ribbons and all, was on the top of it.

warm: the poor blessed her, although her benevolence was often ill-directed, and all doated on her, even the Abbé and Mademoiselle Clery, although she was, as they said, the plague of their lives.

The young girl, on perceiving whose head she had so unceremoniously decorated, remained for a few moments the picture of astonishment and confusion; then again the But there was another strong source of attraction-her ludicrous appearance of the stranger, contrasted with his child-like yet evident preference of Lord Altamont; the look of grave surprise, overcame every feeling but that of careless indifference or laughing raillery with which she the ridiculous, and she gave way to one of those uncon- returned the compliments and attentions of the young men trollable and irrepressible fits of laughter, so well known of the neighbouring families, formed a marked contrast to by, and so easily excused in, the young and light-hearted. her manner towards him. She was never known to listen She made an attempt to recover her hat, but this the so patiently to the instructions of any one, and he delightstranger quietly opposed, and taking her hand prisoner, asked to instruct her, as her mental powers were evidently very ed if she imagined he would suffer her to repossess herself superior to what they had hitherto appeared to the secondary of her hat without paying the accustomed tribute. At this minds that surrounded her. They studied together, they

"Do you love me, Rosabelle ?"

The colour returned mantling over face and neck, and tears rushed to her eyes as she almost sobbed out, “ Very, very much."

"Will you be my wife?"

walked together, they rode and danced together; poor Mademoiselle Clery had no sinecure, and in spite of her vigilance, they often managed to escape from her. The marquis was not blind to all this, but he affected to be so; his pride had been hurt at the delays of his nephew, the Count de Beauvilliers, whom he had intended for the husband of his Yes, to be sure I will," and in another moment she was daughter, and he justly thought that the young, wealthy, folded in his arms, and his lips were pressed to hers; in and noble Altamont was more than an equivalent; he re- which interesting predicament Mademoiselle Clery found gretted that he was a foreigner, especially that he was an them to her inexpressible astonishment. Let those upbraid Englishman and a Protestant, nevertheless he made up his who have more "cunning to be strange." mind to thle match. The chateau was soon all bustle; the delighted old marLord Altamont received a letter from his mother :-quis had an immediate interview with the bishop of the What can detain you, my dear son, so long in the south diocese, and managed matters so well that the difficulties at of France ? By this time we expected you would that time attending a marriage between persons differing in have been at Lisbon. It is desirable that you should spend their religious creed were speedily removed. Several ladies the autumn among your tenantry, and in extending your offered their services on the occasion, and in ten days after personal acquaintance with the families of the county: the proposal the marriage took place, according to the ritu certain communications and preparations will also be ne-als of the two churches; and, although the preparations cessary previous to your first appearance in the House of were hasty, and as much privacy as possible was observed, Peers. We think, as the season is so far advanced, you yet the ceremonial was in all respects befitting the high had better give up Madrid, and Lisbon, and embark from station of the parties. the Garonne." In the preceding interval, Lord Altamont had been pleas Lord Altamont crushed the letter in his hand and paced ed to observe that Rosabelle had suddenly assumed a more his apartment with agitated steps: the crisis had arrived. serious and retiring manner, he argued favourable from "I," said reason," disapprove of this match:-marry an this, and perhaps gave too much weight to what was simply Englishwoman, extend your connexion among the nobility the result of her new situation.

of your own country, where you will find the most beauti- The marquis was very eager for a return to Paris; the ful the most accomplished, and the most virtuous women young couple were too much wrapped up in each other to in the world. The marriage you contemplate will disap-care about it; however, as it appeared essential that Lord point all who wish you well, and will deeply wound your Altamont should not delay proceeding to England longer mother and sister. A catholic!—a giddy, spoiled, French than could be helped, a fortnight after the marriage they girl!" "I," said love, "am quite of a contrary opinion. all set out for Paris.

Rosabelle de Clairville is sprung from a lineage far more Travelling was not so rapid then as it is in our days: a ancient and noble than that of the Altamonts; the blood of journey from Provence to Paris was a serious undertaking, the Montmorenci flows in her veins. Few Englishwomen even with all" appliances and means to boot ;" yet it was can rival her in beauty; none can exceed her in excellence much enjoyed by the happy party. Along the whole route of disposition or in warmth of affection; she is very young-the houses of the marquis's friends were open to them, that is a fault that will mend daily; she is giddy,-watch- and the admiration excited by the young and beautiful ful care and judicious precept will give steadiness to her bride gratified the pride and affection of the new made-husmind, and, consequently, dignity to her manners; her only band.

serious faults are those of being a Catholic and a French- They arrived in Paris, and at the door of the magnifwoman, and for those she is not accountable. Your mother cent hotel temporarily secured for their reception, several and sister and every one else will begin by admiring and end of their intimate friends, French and English, were waiting by loving her. It is not as though you transplanted her to receive and welcome them. The Count de Beauvilliers from the hotbed of Paris; you gather her a fresh, unsullied, was not among them; he had been obliged to attend the and secluded flower; place her in your bosom, your pride court at Versailles, but he had left a note of congratulation, and ornament, and wear her there for ever!" Reason had promising himself the happiness of their society as soon as not a word more to say, or if she had it was not listened to. he could escape from his court duties. The laws of the Ottoman empire were not more complete- It was at Versailles the count heard from a hundred ly annulled by the petit nez retroussi de Roxalane, than tongues of the exquisite beauty and the naïve grace of the were those of the empire of reason on this momentous oc- young Lady Altamont. She was quite the rage; she was casion. surrounded; she was worshipped. "What a shame for us Lord Altamont proceeded to Rosabelle's little studio, to let an Englishman run away with such a prize! Why, where she was seated amid books and flowers, half-finished Beauvilliers, what have you been about? We had always drawings and embroidery. heard you named as the future guardian of this treasure!" The count smiled and shrugged his shoulders, but when alone he bit his lips and frowned.

"I am so glad you are come," she said, running for her book: "now only hear me read this English passage." "Rosabelle!" said Lord Altamount mournfully: she looked at him.

A member of the royal family had been dangerously ill and no company was, for the moment, received at Ver"Good heavens, how pale you are! What is the matter? sailles; but when the count's term of attendance had expired -you are not well."

he was commissioned to inform the Marquis de Clairvie

"I have received a letter: I am recalled to England: I and Lord and Lady Altamont that the court would remove must leave you." in a few days to the Tuileries, where their reception wouk "Leave me!" repeated Rosabelle, as if, for the first time, take place. the possibility of such an occurrence presented itself, One evening about three weeks after their arrival a "Leave me!" the book dropped from her hand, the blood Paris, Lady Altamont stood alone in one of her splendidly. receded from her cheek and lips, and she seemed as if illuminated drawing-rooms; it was her first soirée, and she about to fall:-he threw his arm round her. Jeyed with girlish delight the tasteful and costly arrange

ments that had been made; her eye glanced on a pier-glass, answer, after a considerable delay, to his communication of in which her own beautiful form was brightly reflected, his marriage. She evidently regretted it deeply, more than and a blush of pardonable vanity passed over her cheek; she chose to express; she earnestly requested that he would through the mirror she perceived a figure glide into the remove his young wife as speedily as possible from Paris, apartment and pause near the door as though regarding and bring her to the family seat in Sussex, where she and her: she turned hastily round, and advancing, perceived a her daughter at present resided. A somewhat cold, but very handsome young stranger, with a certain air distingué, polite message to the bride and her father from the two laapproaching towards her. She lelt a momentary surprise dies, concluded the epistle. Lord Altamont was perusing it at his unannounced appearance.

"Have you so entirely forgotten me, Rosabelle ?"

in his lady's dressing-room, with a degree of pain which surprised even himself; he raised his eyes and looked at Rosabelle; she was practising a step before her long dressing-glasss; suddenly she stopped, and seemed lost in thought. What are you thinking of, Rose?"

She sprang towards him: “My dear cousin, is it you at last? How you are altered!-how you are improved!" Privileged by his relationship, he saluted her. "And" you are altered, Rosabelle, and improved, yet I never could have mistaken you for an instant."

"I was trying to recollect the pretty chassé step Beauvilliers does so well: now look here, do you think this is it?" "Well, come, let us sit down; we shall be able to have and away went her little feet in more evolutions than his a few minutes chat before any body arrives." lordship could follow.

“Stay one instant," he said, detaining her, "and let me look at you!-let me look-on all that I have lost!"

Rosabelle felt somewhat confounded; an obscure recollection of a marriage having been once meditated with her cousin rose to her mind, but she was quite ignorant that any serious correspondence on the subject had taken place between her father and the count during the last twelvemonth; therefore after the first moment of uneasiness had passed, she felt very much inclined to laugh at what she considered a sudden fit of heroics on the part of her consin, brought on by the remembrance of their former childish love-making.

I dare say that is it," he replied; "I am sure it ought to be, it is so pretty. Do you like your cousin very much?" "Yes-no!" said Rosabelle.

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Yes-no-which do you mean?"

"I like him, and I do not like him; I like him for what he has been; he was such a good-natured play fellow, and so full of espièglerie! but now, you know-now I do not care so much about him."

"But I think he cares about you."

O, that he does! I think he likes me better than ever." "Take care of him, Rosabelle; do not encourage himyou understand me?"

I do not

"Come, come, Albert, this will not do. I have grown Rosabelle for a moment looked grave and puzzled. —— older and wiser since you used to talk nonsense to me.-" Well, to be sure, what queer beings men are. Bless me! I can scarcely think you the same Albert that comprehend them a bit-what nonsense they talk! there dressed up in my father's cocked hat and pig-tail, with his old now, do not open your mouth again; I will not let you embroidered waistcoat, blue and silver, the flaps reaching speak," and she placed her hand before it, which, as in duty below your knees—” bound, he kissed, and gently removing, said, "I have re"Rosabelle! cease for Heaven's sake! Lady Altamont!" ceived a letter of congratulation from my family; you are "And I," she continued, not heeding him, "do not you not yet perfect enough in English to read it; they press remember?-lost myself in your mother's highest coiffure our departure; as soon, therefore, as the introduction at the and her largest hoop and silk petticoat; and you were to be Tuileries is over, you must leave this gay and brilliant Henri Quatre, and I the fair Gabrielle! Ha! ha! ha! scene, Rosabelle, where you are so flattered, so worshipped; many a talk we will have over those old times :—and have and you must go with me to a serious, formal, and strictly you forgotter the tricks we played to the snuffy Abbé, with regulated English mansion in the country, where you will hear the squeaking voice? and the cross-looking old lady with no flattery, where you will have no admirers, and where you the long nose and spectacles?" will be rebuked for much that here you are praised for." Beauvilliers found that, in spite of himself, he was obliged Rosabelle looked down, and the tears rose to her eyes; to change his ground, and quit for the present his sighs after a moment's pause she threw her arms round her husand sentiment. They were seated on a sofa, and both in band's neck, and whispered tenderly, “But you will be there, the midst of a fit of laughter, such as the polished count Altamont, and the dull English mansion will be Paris to had not enjoyed since they last met, when the marquis and me." Lord Altamont entered. The uncle and nephew flew into each other's arms and embraced tenderly after the fashion of their country; but in Lord Altamont's reception there was something restrained although perfectly polite, and intended to be cordial.

He pressed her to his heart, and felt that she had triumphed.

Beauvilliers was by no means a cold-hearted profligate; he was young, vain, rich, and dissipated; was a great favourite in society, yielding freely to its follies, and to some The rooms soon filled: the young hostess was the theme of its vices. But in regard to Rosabelle, whatever there of universal admiration; for although France can always was bad in his nature, was brought into action; regret and boast of the most graceful, talented, and attractive women, disappointment edged and embittered his feelings; towards beauty is not common, and therefore the surpassing loveli- her he felt, or imagined he felt, the most unbounded pasness of Lady Altamont produced the most decided effect. sion, and towards her husband the most implacable revenge; Beauvilliers seldom left her side, and when he did his eyes but he had the tact to veil his designs as perfectly as poswere rivetted upon her; their looks often met, and that sible. Lord Altamont's generous nature was above suswith a certain degree of intelligence, as any well-remem-picion; he had condemned himself freely for the emotions bered tune, or peculiar step or figure recalled their old danc- of jealousy he had at first experienced, and resolved to punish ing lessons, and many an association thereunto belonging. himself by leaving totally unnoticed the intimacy between Lord Altamont did not dance much that evening, and, the cousins, during the remainder of his short residence in although exceedingly attentive to his guests, was observed Paris. He was rewarded by the guileless simplicity of his not to be in his usual good spirits. wife's conduct, and by the evidently unwearied tenderness The next day he received a letter from his mother, in of her affection: he could not altogether free himself of