heart. In silent agony she remained motionless, almost insensible, till roused by a murmur amongst the crowd. The life-boat was seen returning-but alone! The heart of Catherine died within her, as she watched its approach, and felt that a few short moments would decide her fate. As soon as it touched the strand, Sefton sprung out, and hurried to the carriage.

They are safe!"

"All ?" asked Catherine.

"All," he answered; and Catherine fell back in a deep swoon.

Sefton quickly entered the carriage, and was clasped in the arms of his wife, who looked on him as one rescued from the grave. He kissed off her tears, and assisting her to support Catherine, who continued insensible, they drove without loss of time to the hotel, where they laid her on a couch, and were still employed in endeavouring to restore her to animation, when they were joined by Mrs Lennox, Ellinor, and the gentlemen. Mrs Sefton, rejoiced

at their escape, embraced Mrs Lennox and Ellinor, gave the gentlemen a cordial welcome, and then returned to chafe the temples of Catherine, whose countenance now gave signs of life.

With the most violent emotion, Willoughby gazed on her pallid cheek. What would he not have given to have had the feelings of her heart laid open before himto know if her anguish arose from the fear of losing her cousins, or if it was not occasioned by a yet deeper feeling-if so, for whom?-and Willoughby shuddered as the thought crossed him, that Sir Pelham was perhaps the object of her solicitude. He was still immersed in these reflections, when the blood began to return to Catherine's cheek; she opened her eyes and looked wildly around. One glance sufficed-all were there she threw her arms about Ellinor, and burst into a flood of tears. Ellinor's better feelings being roused by her miraculous escape from a dreadful death, envy, jealousy-all were forgotten, and she re

turned Catherine's embrace with unaffect

ed warmth.

Upon my word," said Mrs Lennox, "this is really a pretty reception! It may look exceedingly amiable and interesting to fall a-crying, but it would be fully as agreeable if you would endeavour to get us some dry clothes and refreshments."

66

Indeed," answered Mrs Sefton, "we have neglected this too long; do you and Miss Lennox follow me, and we shall try and get some comfortable apparel; and, Sefton, go you meanwhile and order fresh horses to the carriage, for the sooner we get the ladies home the better, both on their own account, and to relieve the anxiety of Sir Thomas and Lady Lennox."

"I shall make them harness instantly," replied Sefton; "and shall also order a postchaise for the gentlemen."

While these arrangements were making, the gentlemen sought out their gallant preserver; and, having expressed their deep gratitude for his unparalleled exertions,

they left with him a munificent sum to be distributed among his brave companions; then returning to the hotel, where they found everything ready for their departure, and the ladies already gone, they entered the carriage and quickly followed them.

On the arrival of the ladies in Hope Street, Lady Lennox hurried out to meet them, embraced them all, and laughed and cried alternately; while Sir Thomas, although "unused to the melting mood,” with difficulty refrained from following her example. He complained of a tightness in his throat, and said a mist swam

before his eyes. These finer feelings were soon, however, put to flight by the conduct of Mrs Lennox, who, scarcely deigning to notice the congratulations of Sir Thomas and his lady, brushed past them, and hurried to her apartment, where the whole household were quickly in requisition to supply her numerous wants. Martha's patience was completely exhausted by incessant demands for sack-whey, posset,

gruel, &c.; and at last having insisted on a special messenger being dispatched to Edinburgh for two physicians, she established herself in bed in due form. The gentlemen now arrived, Charles and Sefton alighted, Willoughby and Spencer drove on to the Barracks, and Sir Pelham, after inquiring particularly for the ladies, proceeded to the Baths to change his wet habiliments.

As Mrs Sefton was quite miserable on finding that Sefton's clothes were completely drenched, she also quickly took leave of her friends, and hastened away to Dudding

stone.

Mrs Lennox having lavished so much. care on herself, there was little occasion for the attention of others; and Catherine, though still very much agitated by the recent shock, bestowed not a thought on herself, but directed all her attentions to Ellinor, whom she hurried to bed, and having used all due precautions, in a few days the ladies were pronounced convalescent.