been taught in childhood to make her passions subservient to her reason; for Catherine had seen enough of life to know, that the most beautiful face, unaccompanied by good temper and good sense, will fail in securing the happiness of a husband, who, when the delirium of passion is over, expects to find in his wife a companion and friend, and not a spoiled child, whose every fancy and whim must be watched and in-. dulged. Ellinor, it is true, was tolerably fluent in talking of duties, but she was miserably deficient in following out her system. She allowed that everything most dear to us should be relinquished at the call of duty; but, that it was necessary she should do so, or rather that she did it not, was a surmise that never occurred to her.

So soon as Ellinor could spare as much time from her admirer, as to glance towards Catherine, she could scarcely withdraw her eyes again, so much was she astonished on beholding her still in her morning dress; never doubting, that, on giving the detain

ing message to William, she had flown also to her toilette. Catherine, however, was quite satisfied with the plain neatness of her attire, and pursued her employment with great composure.

Spencer observed the surprised look of Ellinor, but its meaning puzzled him; for a man in love has seldom eyes, ears, or attention, except for the object of his devotion; and as Ellinor could not reprove her in Spencer's presence, she again turned towards him, to receive those attentions so gratifying to female vanity, and particularly so to one whose love of admiration was unbounded. Catherine was just putting the finishing stitches in her little task, when Charles entered, saying it was a delightful day, and that it was a shame for them to remain within; and, pulling the work out of Catherine's hand, he begged they would put on their bonnets.

Ellinor willingly acceded to this proposal, as it would enable her to have a little more flirtation with the handsome Spencer,

ne of the very few occupations which did Lot fatigue her; and she accordingly rose to equip herself, when Catherine called her back, to say that she could not go. Vexed to be disappointed of her walk with Spencer, for she could not go without Catherine, she turned hastily, and asked the reason of her refusal; but the only answer she could obtain, was simply, that she could not go.

"Why, Catherine ?" said Ellinor, pettishly;" it is not usual for you to be so disobliging. Come, there is a good girl; put aside that odious work, which you have been poring over this whole morning, and adulge us with your company.-Charles, make yourself useful, and lock Catherine's work-table, while we are putting on our bonnets. I assure you we shan't be a moment.-Make haste, Catherine; why don't you rise ?"

"Because, my dear Ellinor, I really cannot go out to-day."

You mean, I suppose," said Ellinor,

with more anger than even a lover thought the occasion warranted,

66

you will not. Surely your work can stand till we return? What mighty hurry can there be for it? Charles, try what you can do; perhaps the brother may prevail where the sister has failed." At this speech Charles felt the blood mount to his forehead; but on glancing towards Catherine, to see what effect it had on her, he felt a sudden chill come over him, on observing the unruffled calmness of her manner. Finding that a reply was expected, he tried to look composed, while he said, No, Ellinor, I will not teaze Catherine, for I am sure she must: have some very wise and potent reason for her refusal; you ought not to press the point, when she says that she cannot oblige us."

66

66

Oh, yes," said Ellinor, with vehemence, forgetting in her disappointment the presence of her lover," I might have been certain she would be proved in the right,

what would have been obstinacy in me, is perfectly proper conduct in her."

“My dear Ellinor," said Catherine, sorry that Spencer should see the quickness of her cousin's temper, " I would with the greatest pleasure accompany you in your walk, and I assure you it is great self-denial in me to remain within, this beautiful morning; but I have an appointment at home to-day, and as I myself fixed the hour, I cannot possibly break my engagement. But if you will go to the sands, I shall join you there as soon as my visitor departs." "Well, Charles," said Ellinor, somewhat pacified by this arrangement, we shall since Catherine will soon follow us." But Charles, who saw, or imagined he saw, Catherine blush, while confessing her appointment, struck with sudden jealousy, resolved to remain at home, in order to ascertain who this favoured visitor might be, and with considerable quickness, therefore, replied, “We had better postpone our walk till the evening, when we can all go together, which

66

go,