which he felt, and the grave which he beheld. How contrasted! The one was passing away with every pulsation of his heart, the other opened before him as a permanent dwelling for the human race. He felt happy that every thing was transient -that this earth, filled with life, and tombs, was passing on to the end of its destiny. He beheld without a tear, all that remained of his unfortunate wife committed to the earth. In the meridian of her life, still young and beautiful-bound to the world by the most endearing ties, she had pursued the image of a more perfect happiness to the throne of the Almightyshe had deserted the duties of a wife and mother. "But her grave is hallowed by madness; and the fine tranquillity of the evening appears to bespeak a divine pardon, which secures her eternal happiness." Mr. Welburn felt that she was pardoned.

The mourners and spectators returned to their dwellings. The birds of night, forsaking the ancient yew, began to flit over the new filled grave where lay Maria Welburn; and the gentle dews of evening fell for the first time upon the turf which covered her.

CHAPTER XXI.

The thread of our life would be dark, Heav'n knows,
If it were not with friendship and love intertwin'd;
And I care not how soon I may sink to repose,

When these blessings shall cease to be dear to my mind.

MOORE..

"From Edward Sanwell to Henry
Welburn.

You are but an idle correspondent. I expected to have heard before now, that you had set out on your excursion: I hope your mother is quite recovered, and that you are enjoying your walks around Dalsy, and the society of the Dalsy maidens. I have been at Torley more than a fortnight.

church.

I was ordained just after I left college; and I have preached once in this parish You should have heard my eloquence. Before whom, think you, had I the honour of preaching?-No less a personage, than Doctor Delby, and no less an interesting girl, than his daughter Julia. She is grown a very woman; her person is improved, and you will think it very charming. I fancy, and it may be only fancy, that she is not much better for a London boarding-school. I believe she is more accomplished; and a girl more thoroughly accomplished, never existed. She has too much sense to be affected, but I think she is become somewhat more dashing, and a good deal attached to the splendour and gaieties of high life. Her address. is more fashionable, but, I think, something less natural than before. Her smile, however, is the same, and I am sure her heart is as good as ever.--But I have something to tell you not very pleasant. I would not

give you pain, but let me whisper, that if you wish to gain this prize, you must lose no time in coming to secure it. When I arrived here, I found Captain Elgar, Mrs. Elwyn's nephew. I understand he was introduced to Julia in London, and came down with her in the mail.

Henry, I will

conceal nothing from you. His marriage with Julia is talked of, as a thing perfectly settled. She does not now reside at Elmsey lodge, nor can I positively say that cany affection subsists between her and the Captain. She cannot avoid being fre quently in his company; and I do believe there is a little flirtation.

"Mrs. Delby would, if possible, have -Captain Elgar continually with Julia. She gives very broad-hints, that the match is quite settled; and has spoken in one partty of the carriage, of which she has already fixed the colour. Captain Elgar is a formidable rival. He is a very handsome fine looking fellow; has been twice wound