He offered her his arm, saying, "Mother, you look perfectly exhausted—we had better go home now."

Arthur strove to cheer his mother's spirits as they returned home, and she tried to seem cheered, but the effort was unsuccessful, and as if by mutual consent they at length remained silent, each absorbed in thought, until they arrived at Sherwood.

tion, of changes of feeling and of character, convalescence, and when he recovers sufficiently which would be incredible to those who are not to enable me to leave him with a quiet conscience, acquainted with their characteristic peculiarities. and an easy heart, (for, poor old gentleman, he Mrs. Selden talked with each of the women, was very kind to me when I was a boy, and I in the manner she thought most likely to console have always had an affection for him,) I shall her for the impending change in her situation, leave Jacob with him, until he quite recovers his and when Arthur, who had been walking in the strength, and turn my longing steps homewards. fields where the men were at work, returned, he One of my greatest trials during my stay here found his mother looking pale and overcome, has been the impossibility of hearing from home and the traces of tears visible on her face. and from Sherwood. Robinson Crusoe might as soon have expected to receive letters on his island as 1 can here, for we are indeed 'out of humanity's reach;' we have no post-office nearer The servants followed them silently in groups than thirty miles. I was just about to hire a to the carriage, as if they wished to see their mis-messenger to send down and get some news from tress as long as possible, for they had perhaps you, when Mr. Gibson, our old neighbor, you never felt her full value so much as at this min- know, arrived on a visit to our next neighbor. ute, and as she bowed her head to them, for her He rode over to see my uncle, with whom he beart was too full to speak, more than one sob was formerly acquainted, and from him I learned was heard from the women, and several voices all about poor Williams' sudden death, your faexclaimed, "God bless you missis: good b'ye ther's liabilities, and his determination to sell the Mas Arthur." Cedar Creek estate to discharge them. I was foolish enough to feel vexed at hearing Gibson talk of purchasing it, and I write now to beg that your father will allow me to loan him a sum of money, with which he knows I had intended purchasing land, and pay off this security debt, and keep Cedar Creek himself. Try your eloquence, On their arrival at home, Arthur found a letter dear Arthur, to persuade him to do so; I hope I from Louis Davenport, addressed to himself, lying need not assure any of you how much it would on the mantel-piece; Margaret said their neigh- gratify me if he would accept this proposal. bor, Mr. Gibson, had sent it over by a servant. Should you fail in persuading him, beg Mrs. SelLouis had been absent for some time from the den to use her influence, and if this too should neighborhood: he had been summoned away prove unavailing, then ask him not to sell the just before the news of Mr. Williams' death had land until my return, which will be in the course arrived at Sherwood, to the sick bed of an old of a week. I am determined Gibson shall not bachelor uncle, who lived at a distance of more have it if I can prevent it, and I think your fathan sixty miles from Davenport Lodge. He ther had rather see it in my possession than in had been detained there by the continual suffer- his, and I had rather own it myself, than to see ings and helplessness of his uncle, Mr. John Dav-it belong to any one one but your own family. enport, who was in a state of forlornness and desolation, which would have made it impossible for a man such as Louis Davenport to leave him. "Let us see what Louis says for himself," said Arthur, opening the letter. "Poor fellow, I am glad to see by this token that he is still in the land of the living." The letter was as follows: Dear Arthur,-Knowing that you have some tenderness of heart, I should be afraid of exciting your compassion too painfully, were I to give you an exact description of the life I have been leading in this horrible place for two or three months past. Yet I have more than half a mind to give you a history of my uncle's illness and symptoms, and a journal for one day, which would serve to give you an idea of all the rest, but I know you would skip it, and all my trouble would be thrown away. Suffice it to say then. that he is now exhibiting decided symptoms of

I hope you are all well. Gibson could tell me nothing about you all, though he had just been at Sherwood. He said he thought he had heard something about one of the young ladies being sick, but did not know which one it was; he supposed, however, there could not be much the matter, as he saw Mrs. Selden, and she looked as cheerful as usual; his soul is no bigger than a midge's wing. I do not believe he has a thought in the world but of adding acre to acre.

My best love and kindest remembrances to all who think them worthy of their acceptance. I hear my uncle calling me to read to him: bythe-bye, the library consists of the Wonderful Magazine, a volume of farces, the Universal History, and some works on farming, which we read alternately, as the gay or grave mood predominates. Most truly yours,

L. DAVENPORT.

rance was made with a warmth and sincerity, that could not fail to be gratifying to Louis, and with this he must perforce be content, for on the other point Mr. Selden remained inflexible.

Arthur read this epistle aloud, and when he to the best manner of improving it. This assuhad finished it, exclaimed, "Talk about romance and sensibility and all that sort of stuff, commend me for real feeling to those who act most and talk least; now here is Louis Davenport with more true, delicate and tender feeling, than all Every day seemed more precious now as it the Mortimers, Orlandos and Ferdinands that wore away, for all the inmates of Sherwood could be found in the most approved novels, dreaded the setting in of spring, which was the and all their admirers and imitators together, time fixed for the departure of the colony. Duand yet because he never talks about it, and ring this period, Charles' visits were very fredoes every thing in such a quiet and manly way, quent, and they contributed much to sustain the his best friends take his kindness as a matter spirits of the family. Though most persons who of course, and have no idea of the extent of call themselves Christians profess to believe that his disinterestedness and self-devotion. Here he "all is for the best," yet few have an earnest has been staying, for weeks and months, nursing practical belief of this great truth, as their cona forlorn, whimsical, peevish old bachelor, and I versation and conduct evince in any time of peheard him congratulate himself before he set out culiar trial, and it is wonderful how trust is on the expedition, on his uncle's being head over strengthened, and hope animated by intercourse ears in debt, so that he could not suspect him of with those who really possess this active sort of any interested motive in his attentions, when I faith. Some one has said, that if we persevere know he would give his eyes to be amongst us for a long time in repeating a falsehood, weɣnot again. Now, nothing could gratify him so much only learn to believe it ourselves, but to persuade as for my father to use his money-he would some others to believe it also, this is doubtless really consider it as a favor. Then," he added, in some measure true, and then to how much with a smile, "how much he is moved to hear greater a degree may we strengthen conviction that one of the ladies is, or has been, sick, he is both in ourselves and others, by steadily recogready to wring poor old Gibson's neck off for nising both in word and action, our belief in any not knowing which of them." particular truth. The speculative difficulty of "Hoping no doubt it was poor me," said Mary, reconciling a belief in this great doctrine of Chrislaughing.

"Quite probable, for I never could decide which Louis liked best, Margaret or my mother." Arthur smiled, and cast a sidelong glance at Virginia as he said these words, but she blushed so much more deeply than usual at any allusion to Louis' devotion, that he drew a favorable augury from the circumstance, and wisely forbore farther raillery. He saw that Virginia was touched by the letter, though she was the only person in the room who did not respond warmly to the eulogium he had pronounced upon Louis.

CHAPTER LII.

Friends, so near my bosom ever,
Ye have rendered moments dear;
But alas! when forc'd to sever,

Then the stroke, O how severe.-Burns.

tianity, with that of the necessity for the utmost exertion of our power and energies for good, is practically solved by those who are convinced of the truth of the saying "that man proposes and God disposes," that it is for us to act, to strive, to plan, as if the course of events depended upon ourselves, to trust, to hope, to wait, as if they were entirely in the hand of God.

Mr. Thomas Selden arrived to concert with Arthur the final arrangements for their departure, and the bustle of preparation was some relief to all parties. All Arthur's probable and improbable wants were provided for, as far as practicable, and he laughingly declared, that if he did not set out at once, twenty wagons would not be sufficient to carry out all the comforts his mother and Margaret had provided for him, or all the tokens of remembrance Virginia would present him with; he said he could already count up at least fifty keepsakes from her, while Mary had Louis Davenport arrived soon after his letter, not even given him a lock of her hair. Mary deand urged his own generous request with an ear-clared according to all rules of romance he ought nestness that it was difficult to resist, but Mr. to have asked for it long ago, and Virginia seSelden adhered to the resolution he had first lected a glossy tress, which she promised to braid formed of struggling through his difficulties un- herself, while Margaret cutting off a dark brown aided by any of his friends, as it regarded pecu-curl from Arthur's head, offered it to Mary in exniary obligation, and he assured Louis that he change. Mary received it with a smile and a should be quite satisfied to see the Cedar Creek blush. Matters were becoming too serious for estate in his hauds, and hoped to ride over it jesting now, though both Arthur and Mary were again many a time with him, and advise him as careful to avoid, as much as possible, everything

that might weaken their own hearts, or each listening to their wild and melancholy tones, until others; indeed, they were less melancholy and they died away in the distance. sentimental, than could possibly have been expected from lovers of their age, so truly and fondly attached to each other.

How many familiar faces were gone and forever? And Arthur, the light, the joy of the house, what a dreary void would his absence occasion, what a sad change would the life he was about to enter on be to him!

The dreaded day at length dawned bright and clear, and there was not an eye in Sherwood that did not see its earliest beam. The servants were Charles and Reginald accompanied Arthur all up and stirring by light, and were already fill- many miles of the way, but Mr. Selden declined ing the lawn in groups, those who were to go, doing so, unwilling to submit his fortitude to any and those who were to remain talking together, farther trial. As the last trace of the travellers many of them for the last time. No class of disappeared, he was turning to take a solitary people love excitement of every kind more than walk, when he caught Will Howard's eyes fixed negroes do, and in any situation calculated to upon him with such a wistful and sorrowful exexcite either joy or sorrow, they delight in in- pression, that he held out his hand to him saying, creasing the prevailing feeling as much as possi-"Come, my son, I should like to have you with ble both in themselves and others.

Mrs. Selden and her daughters were soon amongst the servants, distributing farewell gifts, exchanging with them expressions of kindness and good will, with tearful eyes and faltering voices. Many kind remembrances crowded upon every heart in this parting hour, and there was scarcely a dry eye in the crowd.

Mr. Selden, Charles and Reginald were also engaged in talking with the men, distributing money, tobacco, and various little gifts amongst them, while Arthur and Mary stood in the recess of one of the windows, their hands fast locked together, assuring each other that a year would soon pass away, and their present sorrow would seem like a dream, and burying in their hearts their sad misgivings as to whether fate had indeed reserved another meeting on earth for them, and their gloom at the prospect of a year, during which they could scarcely hope for any opportunity of communication. They agreed to keep a journal for each other, they exchanged rings, and made resolutions of improvement, but not one vow of constancy did they utter, for not a doubt disturbed either of their minds on that subject.

me."

Will was by Mr. Selden's side in a minute, his hand fast clasped in his kind patron's, and he walked thus for some time without uttering a word, until encouraged to do so, by Mr. Selden's addressing some remark to him. This child was twining himself around Mr. Selden's heart, in a manner which seemed to him inexplicable.

Mrs. Selden and the girls after some time, met together in her chamber, afraid of solitude, afraid of the deserted parlor, and almost afraid of seeing the recent traces of Arthur's presence, but there was a pleasure in setting together in silence, knowing they were thinking and feeling, if not talking together.

CHAPTER LIII.

Their love had the freshness of youth, but prudence and forethought were not wanting; the resolution which they had taken, brought with it peace of mind, and no misgiving was felt in either heart, when they prayed for a blessing on their purpose. In reality it had already brought a blessing with it; and this they felt; for love, when it deserves that name, produces in us what may be called a regeneration of its own—a second birth—dimly, but yet in some degree resembling that which is effected by divine love when its redeeming work is accomplished in the soul.-Southey.

Louis Davenport arrived to breakfast, as he intended accompanying the travellers for a day's journey, and all went through the form of break- And how had the winter passed off with Edith? fasting, though it was scarcely more than a form. The very depths of her soul had been stirred, After breakfast was over, Charles proposed and the earthly prop on which she had leaned assembling the family and servants together that had been removed, but her soul had risen purithey might once more unite in prayer; this pro-fied and exalted from the abyss of affliction. posal was grateful to all, and once more they all knelt and worshipped together. Sobs were heard from every part of the room, yet all felt soothed and tranquilized by the influence of heartfelt prayer suited to their situation and necessities, offered up at such a moment.

There were times when an inexpressible sense of loneliness, a bitter feeling of bereavement would come over her, but at such hours when faith was weak, and hope was low, she looked around on the great field "white for harvest," whose boundaries are continually enlarging, to When the last farewell had been said, and they those who are willing to go forth in it as a laboall turned to go, the negroes moved by a simul-rer, and found relief in doing good. It is a great taneous impulse, raised a parting hymn, and law of our being, as beneficent as wise, that acthose who were left behind, stood as if transfixed, 'tion should strengthen faith.

It was not Edith's wont to seek consolation or pectations, to declare his love to one so richly ensympathy, she seldom alluded to her own sor- dowed with the gifts of nature and fortune as rows or trials, and bore them with a noble, Edith Fitzgerald. There is one sort of disintethough no longer a proud, self-reliance, yet, restedness, it is true, which would shrink from though she lived in almost a solitary world of seeking such an alliance, under such circumstanthought and feeling, no one felt higher pleasure ces, but in this, there is either an alloy of cowthan herself in communion with such natures as ardice, in fearing to brave the misconstruction of were congenial to her own, no one was capable the world, or of distrust in the generosity of the of reposing more unreserved and unlimited con- loved one. But there is a higher, purer, nobler fidence in those whom she loved, and perceived sort of generosity, rising above such considerato be capable of entering into her feelings. tions, which we seldom meet with but in those Edith had now no friend but Mrs. Mason, who have been accustomed from infancy not only whose attachment for her continually increased, to hear generous sentiments habitually expressed, with whom she could hold intimate intercourse, but to see them acted upon daily, naturally, and but even with her, there was a large class of almost unconsciously. In such a school as this thoughts and feelings to which she never gave utterance, it was only in conversing with Charles Selden that they were drawn out unconsciously, involuntarily. No hand but his could strike the chords of her soul, which discoursed the sweetest music, and she was often surprised herself in recalling her conversations with Charles, to remember how sentiments which she had cherished in secret as too visionary or too exalted for sympathy, and thoughts which she had hidden in her heart, had flowed forth almost spontaneously. Though it was true that their views and opinions differed on many subjects, these differences only heightened the interest with which they conversed upon them.

Charles Selden had been taught from his infancy, for Mr. and Mrs. Selden were eminently generous both in thought and action, and it was pot in his nature to suppose one whom he loved so truly, and esteemed so highly as he did Edith, capable of the meauness of suspecting him of mercenary motives, after so long and intimate an acquaintance. He knew that it would be impossible were their circumstances reversed, that he could have attributed Edith's acceptance of his addresses to any such motive, and he certainly did not estimate her generosity less highly than he did his own. Should such a state of mind appear incredible to any in our moneyloving age, let him assist his imagination by the thought that the Seldens of Sherwood lived more than fifty years ago.

Charles Selden knew mankind too well not to

Meanwhile Charles found his interest in Edith daily increase, and he was too much accustomed to self examination to be long in discovering that his pleasure in her society would prove a dan-be fully aware that a step such as he meditated, gerous one to his peace, if no reciprocal feeling would be misinterpreted and censured by many. had been awakened in Edith's heart. He was and he regretted this circumstance, because he sure that she felt a high regard and esteem for greatly valued his influence over the minds of him, for he knew that the confidence with which men, as a means of promoting their spiritual she treated him, was a sure indication of such welfare, but he had too much moral courage and sentiments from a character such as hers; he wisdom to be deterred by such a motive, in a had indeed sometimes thought that she felt for matter which so much concerned his own haphim a still tenderer sentiment, but the evidences piness, and it might be, that of another unspeakof this were so slight, transient, and easily at-ably dear. He knew too, that however the baltributable to other causes, that they produced ance of public opinion may waver for a time, nothing amounting to belief in his mind, nor from temporary causes, it will at last find its just would he have wished Edith to depart from the dignity and becoming reserve of her sex and character, that his doubts might be removed. As soon as he was fully aware of the state of his own affections, and a doubt had been awakened in his mind, as to whether Edith might not entertain similar feelings towards himself, actuated by the same pure, single-hearted, and generous Edith's affections would have been speedily remotives which influenced his whole course of conduct, he resolved to make an avowal of his love.

equilibrium, except in some extraordinary circumstances, and that a consistent course of conduct steadily pursued by any individual, must necessarily be understood at last, by any community of which he is a member.

Had Charles been a hero of romance, instead of a mere mortal, his doubts as to the state of

moved, but as it was, no horse would run away with him, no boat would upset him, no ruffian would assail him, to elicit from Edith some such It may appear strange to many to call that a sudden and uncontrollable exhibition of emotion, generous motive which impelled a young man of as should betray her love to all spectators, and moderate fortunes, and still more moderate ex- almost compel an avowal of his own. And

VOL. XVII-46

Edith seemed born to an equally common-place | which they would not have exchanged for any destiny, for no fiery steed would rush to the brink spot upon earth, and which they still call home, par of a precipice with her, that Charles might ar- excellence, though most of them have now homes rest it; no wild bull attack, that he might de-jof their own. But before we indulge ourselves fend her; no fire wrap her dwelling in flames that with a parting look at our old friends, we must he might bear her safely through them, at the imminent risk of his own life; so that he was left to act from the light of his own observation, and the dictates of his own heart.

take a retrospective glance to discover what time's doings have been since last we met, and to see the fortunes of the various personages, whose destinies were in any degree interwoven with those of the Seldens, reflected in the magic mir

He soon found the opportunity he sought of declaring his sentiments to Edith, and was re-ror of the Past. warded by a frank, yet dignified avowal from

ascents.

Augustus Vernon, once so fondly loved by the her that his love was returned. Long and ear fair and gentle Virginia, (could she see him now, nestly did they couverse, while time flew by un-she would blush more deeply than she has ever heeded, not only on tender and pleasing, but on done before, at the remembrance of her own high and grave themes; they saw life before them folly!) had passed through many stages of vice with its trials and conflicts, its joys and sorrows, aud degradation, and had now sunk into the conas a great battle-field, in which prizes for eter-tempt and neglect which he had long merited. nity were to be won, victories were to be gained. First, his beauty, his chief glory and happiness, trials were to be borne, but there was strength underwent a sort of mysterious transformation, and sweetness in the thought, that their path which neither himself nor his observers could through life would be the same, whether it led comprehend, or trace to any satisfactory cause; through pleasant places, or up steep and rugged his form, his features, his complexion were the same, but his spiritual deformity was beginning During their long conversation not one thought to manifest itself by indescribable, but unmistakeof the inequality of their fortunes occurred to ble indications, in the whole expression of his Edith, but when Charles spoke to her of his own face-expression, that mysterious charm, which family, told her how much he had talked of her is to the face what the soul is to the body. He to his mother, described the various characters of the individuals of his family, and said he was sure they would all love her tenderly, she felt painfully that she had no such treasures of affec tion and domestic happiness to offer him in re-him, and the praises of his personal attractions, turn. She had no very dear friend but Gerald, and he would love Charles for Margaret's sake, without any additional tie. How poor she felt in comparison with him!

CHAPTER LIV.

But sure to foreign climes we need not range,
Nor search the ancient records of our race,
To learn the dire effects of time and change,
Which in ourselves, alas! we daily trace.
Yet at the darkened eye, the wither'd face,
Or hoary hair, I never will repine;

tried new lotions and cosmetics, changed his tailor, studied the becoming more closely, but in vain-he no longer beheld his own image in the mirror, with the delight which it had once given

which were once so common, that they were considered the mere repetition of an acknowledged fact, had now become so much less frequent that he treasured them up in his memory. Other, and brighter stars rose upon the horizon of fashion, and his mortification and rage at being eclipsed in his own line kept him in a state of constant irritation and unhappiness.

Augustus soon bad, however, other and more rational causes for misery than the loss of admiration. His father died about two years after his marriage with Miss Gates, and Augustus rejoiced in the idea that he should have large and independent resources, of which he had often felt the want painfully. But when the state of Whate'er of fancy's ray, or friendship's flame is mine. Mr. Vernon's affairs was investigated, it was dis

But spare, O Time, whate'er of mental grace,
Of candor, love, or sympathy divine,

Beattie.

covered to the dismay of his family, that after Four years of the discipline of life had been the debts were paid, there would be scarcely passed through ere we see the Seldens again, enough left to supply Mrs. Vernon and her yet not one was missing of their number,-what daughters with the most ordinary comforts of family may not think with trembling gratitude, life. Soon after this event, Mrs. Augustus Verafter the recurrence of such a period, that not non, exasperated by the extravagance, and disone loved voice has been silenced in death, not gusted by the selfishness and heartlessness of one foud heart has forever ceased its throbbings. her husband, resolved on separation, but conAgain all the members of the family are assem-sented on condition that he would renounce all bled around the fire side at Sherwood, a place right to their little daughter, to allow him a mod