The Doctor smiled, and Henry smiled too. He imagined this business was to settle about his marriage." I wish he was here now, Sir, that you might fix the day at once. I begin to be impatient."

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Young men generally are in these matters-but never fear, you shall be married-I am determined you shall be mar. ried! Come and see Julia in the evening-she will be alone. Mrs. Delby is going to a card party, and I won't interrupt you."

"I will come," said Henry, shaking the Doctor's hand as if he was already his sonin-law." If you see my father, pray, my dear Sir, settle your business speedily."

The Doctor saw the joy which was dancing in his eyes-he clapped him on the back-his heart felt pained again. "I will do what I can," said the philosopher, almost with a sigh. "They shall be married, if they like it," repeated the Doctor to himself.

He had fully determined this point, when he wished Henry good-morning, and had closed the door after him. He knew that Julia loved Henry, and the Doctor had set his heart on seeing her married to the man she loved. He would not own this to himself, because he piqued himself on being too constantly and profoundly absorbed in study to have much feeling for any thing but the general welfare of his species; yet the good old man would have wept had he thought this wedding would not take place. The very anticipation of such an event made his eyes feel moist He therefore again repeated to himself his resolution that they should be married, and this saved his tears." I will go to Welburn, and talk him over to my plans. We will take the young folks off in a snug way, and marry them in some neighbouring town, and when the knot is tied, Mrs. Delby must make the best of it."

Thus thought and resolved the Doctor. He left his papers scattered on his table, and taking his hat and stick, walked out towards Mr. Welburn's.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Come, come to this devoted heart;
"Tis breaking, but it still is thine.

MOORE.

HENRY had not expected his father till dinner time. On leaving Dr. Delby, he had taken a ramble on the beach, and was returning from a long walk, when, coming in sight of his father's house, he saw Dr. Delby quitting it. He quickened his pace in hopes to encounter the philosopher, and learn what he had been saying to his father, and what his father had said to him. The philosopher, however, turned down

another street before Henry could meet him. They recognised each other, and the Doctor saluted Henry with a gracious smile. It was a smile that spoke much. Henry understood it to say, "You shall be married immediately." His heart leapt within him-he ran to his father's door. Mr. Welburn was standing at the window, and beheld his son. A look of melancholy gave place to a smile, as he welcomed his son. "Dr. Delby has told you all-he has told you how happy I am, and how much happier I hope soon to be ?”

"Yes: We have been talking over your love story-but I want you to set off with me to-morrow morning. I am going to make a purchase, and I wish you to see it before the bargain is completed. We will set off to-morrow morning, and talk about your marriage on the road."

"With all my heart."-Henry had some notion that this purchase was to be a marriage present." I will be ready in the