Mr. Allen sprang forward in time to break his fall, and the whole company gathered round to offer their assistance. Arria had the presence of mind to seek a pitcher of water, which she dashed unhesitatingly into his face. But it was some time before he recovered. When at length his eyes unclosed, he stared wildly about him, and the first words he spoke were, "Where is she? where is she gone? Let me see her again!"

Of whom do you speak?" inquired Rachel, in a kind tone, as she leaned over bim and wiped the moisture from his forehead.

"Of Edith! my Edith! where is she?"

"He has not quite recovered," said Rachel; "we must give him more air." Everybody moved back at her request, and at that moment, Mr. Ehrenstein again caught sight of Arria. He lifted himself on his elbow, gazed at her intently, and the name "Edith!" again rose to his lips.

Arria, from a natural impulse of kindness, bent toward him to inquire if he was better. He stretched out his hand-touched her forehead, as though to discover whether she was indeed a living being, and wiindrawing it, exclaimed, “Who are you?"

"My friend, to whom I have just introduced you," replied Rachel; "Miss Arria Walton."

"Walton! Walton!" murmured the stranger to himself. "And so like! Walton! I never heard that name before. Have I never seen you, then ?" "Not until to-night,” replied Arria mildly. "But you are ill; had you not better approach the window?"

Mr. Ehrenstein took no notice of her request. Again and again ne repeated: "Mein Gott! mein Gott!" surveying the fair girl between every ejaculation, as though she recalled some painful history, which he would gladly have forgotten. Little by little he regained his composure; but the only excuse which he made for his emotion, was expressed in the words, “Forgive me, I am a dreamer!”

To break the unpleasant pause which ensued, Rachel ordered tea. It was quickly served; and Mr. Ehrenstein, who had hardly moved his eyes from Arria's face, was so much restored by a cup of the refreshing beverage, that he was strong enough to take a seat beside her, and enter into conversation.

"You must think my conduct very strange," said he; "but you so strongly resemble a dear friend I once had—a friend who is long since dead! We will not talk of it-I have not breathed her name before for years. It is a pleasure for me to sit beside you."

Arria thanked him, and they soon evinced such mutual enjoyment in each other's society, that when Arria left the house that night, she thought to herself that it was the happiest evening she had passed, since the memorable one on which Edgar had escorted her home.

CHAPTER XIV.

"Matchless knave!

What-not one blush of conscience on thy cheek?"

COLERIDGE,

"I CANNOT give her up! No human being ever before exerted such an influence over me! The very sight of her last night roused every dormant feeling, and her image has been before my eyes ever since! And what risk do I run? Even should Esther discover that I visited her quondam friend, she thinks herself too certain of my adoration-she has not sufficient humility and mistrust of her own charms, to become jealous. The deuce take her! I wish she would bring matters to a close! When once the knot is tied, I shall be easy. However, there is no present need of my making myself miserable; the money I borrowed from those usurious Jews, has temporarily settled Mr. Badger's claims. My only fear is, that, with his usual prying ingenuity, he will manage to discover what other debts there are against me; and it would be quite in character, if he had the impudence to solicit their being placed in his hands; and, as sure as into his hands they do get, he gets me into his clutches. But what has that to do with Arria? the beautiful, the gentle, peerless Arria! See her I will; win her love, I must-and for the rest, trust to luck. If fate befriends me- -I—exactly— I shall be the most fortunate dog that walks the streets." Thus mused Mr. Brainard, after he had finished poring over the newspaper, an hour after breakfast. Before another hour had quite elapsed, he found himself at Mr. Lemming's door. When it opened to him, he had too much tact to inquire if Miss Walton was at home, but slipping a propitiatory piece of silver into the hand of the domestic, he bade her tell Miss Walton that a gentleman, who had something particular to communicate, desired to see her.

When Arria received this message, she hastened to the parlor in some alarm; and great was her surprise, on finding herself rapturously greeted by Mr. Brainard. "You do not bring me any bad news, I hope ?" inquired Arria, not entirely recovered from her emotion.

“I bring you nothing worse than myself. Do not make me miserable, by esteeming it evil tidings to hear of my presence;" was the tender answer.

“I have no doubt that Mrs. Lemming will be happy to see you, Mr. Brainard, but she is at present not at home; and if you will permit me to speak freely, she prefers that I should not receive visitors at all in the morning, nor at any time in her absence."

But, Miss Walton! Arria-permit me to call you by that sweet name—beautiful Arria! Me you will receive, and more than receive, for you will listen to me! Have I not told you that I loved you? My only hope in life is to win your love in return.”

“Mr. Brainard, you have once before distressed me by speaking in this manner, and I flattered myself, that my answer would have prevented your ever alluding to the subject again."

"But I knew that you would relent, when you saw my utter wretchedness."

"You knew little of me, if you supposed that the feelings and intentions, which I so clearly avowed to you a few weeks ago, could have undergone such a total change," replied Arria.

"But you have not yet heard what I have to say "

"Nor can I hear anything further," was Arria's determined answer. "You will excuse me, Mr. Brainard, but I have engagements which render it necessary that I should shorten this interview. Good morning.'

دو

Arria was advancing toward the door; but Mr. Brainard sprang impetuously forward, and prevented her escape. Before she could turn, his arm encircled her waist, and she felt his hot breath upon her cheek. At the same moment the door opened, and Mrs. Lemming, in bonnet and shawl, stood before the embarrassed pair. Mr. Brainard instantly relinquished his grasp, and stooped to pick up Arria's pocket-handkerchief, that there mght be some excuse for the crimson hue that dyed his face. Arria appeared overwhelmed with confusion, and her color varied from scarlet to white and from white to scarlet, almost with every pulsation of her heart. Her very innocence made her look like a criminal. Mrs. Lemming advanced into the room, and throwing off her hat, seated herself upon the sofa, with the air of a judge prepared to pass the harshest sentence which the law would permit upon the two delinquents before her.

As soon as Arria's tongue obeyed her will, she presented Mr. Brainard to Mrs. Lemming as a friend of the Miss Clintons. Mrs. Lemming bowed coldly, and Mr. Brainard was too much abashed to do more than return the bow, and stammer out something about his being just on the point of bidding Miss Walton good morning, as he had a pressing engagement at that hour; adding, that he hoped to have the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Lemming again. That lady replied by another formal bow, and Mr. Brainard took his leave.

"And so, Miss Arria-this is the pet, the favorite, the modest young lady, who, Mr. Lemming thinks, can be trusted everywhere! This young lady, I find coquetting with a strange gentleman, in my parlor, with his arm around her waist, and her cheek not an inch from his lips! If I had not inopportunely interrupted you, I suppose they would soon have been somewhat nearer! Oh! you artful little huzzy! you've succeeded in deceiving everybody else with your pretended amiability, and gentleness, and affection; but I saw, from the beginning, that there was too much of it to be natural. I always knew what you were at the bottom; and now, I hope in future I shall be believed!"

"Indeed! my dear Mrs. Lemming!" pleaded Arria, tearfully, "you did not comprehend the situation in which I was placed."

"Don't say a word, miss! I comprehended it only too well, and your uncle shall comprehend it also. As for Mr. Lemming, we'll see what he has to say to his favorite now!"

Mrs. Lemming's voice was raised to so high a pitch of indignation, that it disturbed her husband, whose study was in the adjoining room. The sound of his beloved Arria's voice in reply, made him close his book, and enter the apartment from whence the voices proceeded.

"Oh! there you are, Mr. Lemming! you have just come in time! I hope that you will believe me, in future, and think that I have some discernment. Here, I found Miss Arria standing with a gentleman's arm around her, and her lips and his, in the very act of making themselves better acquainted! There's modesty for you! there's innocence! Isn't it exactly as I always told you?" "Indeed! indeed! Mrs. Lemming unintentionally misrepresents

Arria would have replied, but Mr. Lemming turned to her, and said calmly;

“Arria, child, retire to your chamber."

There was not the slightest expression of mistrust on his countenance, nor of rebuke in his voice; for he was too thoroughly acquainted with Arria's character doubt her.

Arria joyfully obeyed his command.

"I tell you what, Mr. Lemming," said the, lady to her husband, when they were alone, "you must get rid of that girl as quick as you can! I don't want her in my house any longer. Her ladyship is perfect mistress here; instead of people's coming to see me, it's always Miss Arria they ask for; and Miss Arria they must find somewhere else, in future."

66

I am very sorry you are so much prejudiced against her, my dear, for, as her uncle has placed her under my protection, I intend that she shall remain here." “And how does her uncle compensate you, pray? He has n't paid you a cent these three months; and I dare say, Miss Arria, with all her dignity, is quite content to eat the bread of idleness and charity."

“Though her uncle should never pay me a farthing, she would not be eating the bread of charity, for she is continually employed for you. Be that as it may it is my desire that she shall not be molested."

Mr. Lemming left his spouse, to plan ways and means by which sne might rid herself of her offensive inmate. Arria's crime was unpardonable in Mrs. Leṁming's eyes-she, a penniless, obscure girl, to receive more attention, more invitations, and a greater number of visits, than the person by whose bounty she was supported! It was unendurable; and Mrs. Lemming made up her mind not to endure it.

CHAPTER XV.

"The worm i' the bud Preys on her damask cheek."

SHAKSPERE.

"I AM sure she is dying!" said Rachel Clinton to Mr. Lemming, a few days after the occurrence, related in the preceding chapter, took place. "Look how rapidly she has faded during the last week. I at first thought that grief preyed upon her mind; but she does not seem to grieve, and she never complains. Yet how feeble she has grown! she coughs incessantly, and the hectic flush on her cheek is a bad sign."

My dear Miss Clinton, you alarm me! Do you really suppose that my poor Arria is in any danger? I will go for Dr. Chadwick immediately.”

“Have you much confidence in him as a physician?”

"I canot say that I have ever tested his skill; but he is very celebrated, and has attended Arria before."

66

Pray do not lose time, then; he ought to see her to-day."

Mr. Lemming was too much attached to his young pupil to need this warning. He bent his steps immediately to Dr. Chadwick's residence. Dr. Chadwick was from home, and Mr. Lemming wrote the name of Miss Walton upon his slate, with the request that he would call at his earliest convenience.

Shortly after Mr. Lemming's visit, Edgar Chadwick, who was prosecuting his studies, came to seek a medical work in his father's office. Accidentally his eye fell on the slate, and he read the name of Arria. She was ill-perhaps in danger -she might die! Without pausing for a moment's reflection, he left the house, and never slackened his pace until he stood beneath Arria's window. His furious ring was quickly answered, and he recognized the faithful Irish girl, who had delivered him Arria's letter.

66

Biddy, is it you? Tell me, quickly, how is Miss Walton ?" "Sure and it is me, sir; but the young lady 's poorly, quite poorly; there's not a servant in the house but feels downhearted about her."

"You must contrive to let me see her, Biddy; is Mrs. Lemming at home?” "Yes sir; but she has 'nt given any orders about you of late. She's busy with the pastry in the kitchen, and if you'll just walk quite quiet-like into the parlor, I'll never let on to her that you 're here at all, but get Miss Arria down to see you before you can snap your finger."

Away ran the girl, and she was as good as her word; for Arria followed her as she descended the stairs.

"This is kind, dearest Arria; how shall I thank you ? "

"If it is kind, Edgar-Mr. Chadwick-thank me by saying nothing which I would not desire to hear."

I will endeavor to do so.

You are ill, my beloved Arria; you are suffering,

and I am not perinitted to be by you and to soothe you."

'Rachel is very kind to me, so is everybody; and I am not in much pain.” A very stylish gig at that moment drew up before the door, and Dr. Chadwick alighted. Edgar was too much absorbed by the fair and fading being before him, to remember that his presence might awaken his father's displeasure; but Arria, who seemed ever to have a perception of the feelings of others, was immediately troubled by the thought that Dr. Chadwick might be annoyed; that he might doubt the course she had pursued, and become incensed with his son equally with herself. She rose from her seat, looked out of the window, then toward the door, and then at Edgar; made a few uncertain steps forward, and finally sat down again.

The possibility of her having become acquainted with his father's opposition to their union, now, for the first time, crossed the mind of Edgar. But before he could question Arria on the subject, Dr. Chadwick had entered the room.

The Doctor's face was the worst possible index to his thoughts; and his feelings were never telegraphed by his manners. This equanimity was seldom disturbed, except in his own family circle. The same easy suavity of address, the same imperturbability of deportment, always characterized him; and certain queries, expressions of condolence, and of approbation, seemed stereotyped upon his lips.

Not a muscle of his face denoted either surprise or displeasure, when he found his son seated by Arria's side. He saluted them both with grave condescension, and very business-like indeed was his air, as he placed himself in an arm-chair directly in front of Arria.

"I am very sorry to hear that you are indisposed, my dear young lady-we must get you well again—nothing serious I imagine—that is, nothing alarming. We'll soon put all the wheels in order.'

Dr. Chadwick paused, and with the head of his cane consultation, his lips, looked Arria steadily in the face. his survey, he turned to Edgar, and said:

at its familiar point of When he had finished