himself so much behind his companions, and having imparted this to Edith, for whom he soon felt a strong affection, she promised to help him to reach to the level of his schoolfellows, and every day spent some hours in hearing him prepare his lessons, and otherwise assisting him in his studies. He was quick and tolerably attentive, but frequently tried Edith's patience by his idleness and inattention, and she found it hard work to teach him when he was in one of his wild moods. But it was a good exercise for her mind and temper, and she rejoiced over it in after years.

These numerous occupations for others, and her own studies, which Mrs. Sinclair constantly exhorted her not to neglect, left but little leisure, and she gladly assented to the proposition that she should wait till the following winter to be introduced into society. She was not yet quite seventeen and in no hurry to join the continual round of gaiety which made Eleanor even less amiable than usual, and who, when she appeared towards the middle of the day, would complain of headache and fatigue, and to Edith's inquiries reply that the party had been very stupid, not but that the young heiress had

admirers and even suitors, though no one whom she deemed fit for her acceptance had as yet presented himself.

Edith's time passed happily and usefully, and without any event worthy of comment till we find her, late in the following autumn, first "out" as the phrase is. That she was admired for her beauty, and still more liked for her pleasing manners and good sense, was no more Having been on a

than was to be expected.

visit for some weeks at the house of one of her former school-fellows, she did not return to Harrington till the season had begun.

At one of her first parties she met with a Captain Leslie, whose manners, appearance, and attention to herself, made a strong impression on Edith's mind, to say nothing deeper. His conversation was so sensible and superior to that of the gentlemen whom she had been in the habit of seeing, in morning visits, at her father's house, that she forgot her shiness, and could speak freely of her own thoughts, opinions, and pursuits, and was delighted to find some one who shared her tastes.

But this did not suit Eleanor's views, who flattered herself she had made an impression on the gallant Captain, whose homage she had re

ceived for some weeks; and, as he was heir to a baronetcy and several thousands a-year, she did not mean her sister to step in and deprive her of her prize. From Edith's remarks next morning, having caught the cue of the gentleman's sober tastes and opinions, consummate actor as she could be, she resolved to leave no pains untried and to bring him to her feet. But Edith must be out of the way, for the present at least. She had, in reply to some praises of her sister from Captain Leslie, assented of course most affectionately, remarking—

Yes, she deserves to be happy, and I hope there is every prospect of it," and then added, "but I have learnt to look on you as a friend, and forgot in my warmth in speaking of the dear girl, that this ought not to be breathed to any one; but you will not betray me, Captain Leslie, indeed the mischief would be incalculable in the present early state of affairs."

The gentleman, of course, promised silence, and Eleanor satisfied herself that as she was determined the two should be nothing to each other, she was really kinder in putting a stop to anything before either party could have

suffered.

CHAPTER III.

"Of me thou shalt not win renown.
You thought to break a country heart
For pastime, ere you went to town."

TENNYSON.

FORTUNE favours the brave, they say, and it seemed to favour the daring also, on this occasion, for within two days, Edith received a pressing invitation to spend a fortnight with a young friend, previous to her departure for India. Mrs. Howard feared she must refuse her consent, as Edith was really indispensable at the home entertainments, and she had so lately been away before. Edith was sorry, but bore her disappointment very good-humouredly, and said, cheerfully—

"I am sure, dear mamma, I ought to be proud of your making me of so much use

and consequence," and so the matter dropped, and after breakfast she went to her room, to reply to her friend's letter. Eleanor and her mother were now alone in their usual morning sitting-room, and when her sister had left them, she exclaimed

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Mamma, I must beg you will retract your refusal to Edith, or you will most seriously annoy me, and damage my prospects." She then related the events of the last evening reunion, and stated that she was sure, if Edith were out of the way, she should bring the Captain to her feet in a very short time.

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But," rejoined Mrs. Howard, "what reason can I give for so suddenly changing my determination ?"

"Oh, never mind, I will manage all that," said Eleanor; "I will go and tell her I have persuaded you it would be cruel to prevent her seeing her friend, when they may never meet again."

As usual, the young lady had her own way, and went to Edith's room, who, looking up, saw her enter with considerable astonishment, as the sisters rarely had any private tête-à-tête in their rooms.