The evil is irremediable, and I fear that poor Ellinor will soon learn to look on this day as the most unhappy one of her life. Few circumstances can justify such a step as she has taken. Connor must feel this, and he cannot, will not, respect her as a wife ought to be respected; indeed, in all probability he will be the first to upbraid her with her imprudence."

"Let us hope better things," replied Catherine; "his affection for her may reform what is faulty in his character."

"Affection for her ""' replied Mrs Lennox, with a scornful laugh; "he has no more love for her than I have."

CHAPTER XXIV.

The. Here come the lovers, full of joy and mirthJoy, gentle friends! joy, and fresh days of love Accompany your hearts!

Midsummer Night's Dream.

THIS painful occurrence rendered Sir Thomas very impatient to leave the scene where it had taken place, and he accordingly issued orders for his family and household to be in readiness to leave the village in two days, and to accompany him to his country seat. To this determination Catherine listened with outward calmness, but sorrow was in her heart. She had entertained the hope that some happy chance would enable Willoughby to declare the attachment which she was aware he felt for her-even this hope was now torn from her. From the hurried nature of their departure, and Lady Lennox being totally incapable to afford any assistance in preparing for their removal,

everything was left to Catherine, who endeavoured, by devoting herself to promote the comfort of others, to still her own grief. But vain was the attempt-she loved and was beloved, yet they were about to part, ignorant of each other's sentiments, and she felt that their happiness would be the sacrifice. Catherine neither shed a tear nor breathed a sigh, yet the agonies of her mind affected her appearance so much, as to draw the attention of Lady Lennox and Charles, as they sat with her on the evening before their departure.

"My dear cousin," said Charles, "I fear you have suffered very much from your kind exertions to support our spirits under the late shock. I don't like that pale cheekand I am convinced that you are quite incapable of bearing more fatigue-you require to be cheered and amused as much as any of us, and yet I see the whole burden falls on you-Now, I propose, that the Seftons, Miss Talmash, and Spencer, shall all be invited to accompany us, and spend a

month or two before they go south. This will prevent us from brooding over what has happened, and their agreeable society will restore our cheerfulness-what say you, my good mother, to my plan ?"

"I am sure, my dear Charles, if it will afford any pleasure to Catherine, I will be most happy to adopt it. She is more to me than a daughter!" and her tears fell fast.Catherine, unable to speak, tenderly pressed her hand.

"Well then," said Charles, "that point is settled-Go, Catherine, and get your bonnet, we shall be in time for tea ;" and in half an hour after, Catherine and Charles entered Mrs Sefton's drawing-room, where, in addition to the family circle, they found Willoughby and Spencer.

The deep emotion of Catherine was vividly painted on her varying cheek. Her agitation was observed by Mrs Sefton, who, by addressing herself to Charles, gave Catherine time to recover in some degree her self-possession, and after a short interval to

state the object of her visit. On hearing they were to leave the village next day, Willoughby changed countenance, and Mrs Sefton looked her amazement.

"Why do you look so surprised, Ellen?" asked Catherine; "you were aware that we had fixed to go to-morrow, and I expected you over this forenoon to take leave of us.”

"I may well look surprised," answered Mrs Sefton," as this is the first intimation I have had of your movements.”

"And you leave us to-morrow, dear sister?" said Amy, in a tremulous voice. "Ah, how can I bear to part with you!"

"We must not part yet; you will all go with us-I am sure, my dear Ellen, you cannot deny Lady Lennox's wish-indeed we cannot do without you."

"Upon my word," replied Mrs Sefton, "the sudden resolution of going off to-morrow has taken me so much by surprise, that I scarcely know what I am about-did you write me of your intentions ?"

"Indeed I did, knowing that you could