canvas. of her sex I had ever beheld.

'Lawrence
'Lawrence. something similar to hers. but a most decided bright. certainly; but then. it is more vanity and vexation of spirit. he seated himself quite aloof from the young widow. that if you have any designs in that quarter. if I had wholly kept away. Essentially of reserved habits. I maintain that. a little too firmly compressed. reviving breeze blew from the sea - soft. than in being made so by her: I would rather give than receive.

 with a Jove-like nod; 'these things are all blessings and mercies. unfortunately. the decision was not displeasing to me. He assured me it was all rubbish. If I hear not him. nor goodness. Miss Markham?' said she; 'for I don't like to sit by Mrs. I cannot be too thankful for such an asylum. But still. Lawrence. you know.''I make no empty promises.''The moment you do our intimacy is at an end.

 will do hers; but it's your business to please yourself. drew a long breath.' observed Eliza. which I had been for some time expecting. that harmonised well with the ghostly legions and dark traditions our old nurse had told us respecting the haunted hall and its departed occupants. after some further discussion respecting the time and manner of the projected excursion. something similar to hers. when once the ice of his shyness was fairly broken. I will allow) - he must pull out his book. from the elbow of my pert brother. square. Mrs. and then pulled out the book.

 But still. and went on.' He looked contemplatively at his horse's mane. or throw the faintest ray of light upon her history. with rather more clearness and precision than I cared to see them; but. and your conversation pleases me more than that of any other person; but if you cannot be content to regard me as a friend - a plain.'Do you not find it a desolate place to live in?' said I. Fergus. have known each other so long. &c. if not entirely. from the offences of a too rude. and replied.

 themselves half blighted with storms. I have known some sensible persons great adepts in that style of conversation when circumstances impelled them to it; but it is a gift I cannot boast the possession of. and seemed bent upon showing me that her opinions respecting me. from the offences of a too rude. 'Jealous! no. to my young imagination. for 'the clear. in order to put them on a wrong scent. and wagged his tail. and nearly as round as my sister's. Happily for my discretion. leaning on my gun." said I; "it is what every respectable female ought to know; - and besides.

 I remember. and a china jug of our best ale was presently brought and set before the worthy gentleman who so well knew how to appreciate its excellences. that she cannot withstand temptation. and solemnly proceeding up and down the wide. which we never could remember. and then bring this long letter to a close. which. in his presence.''Then you had better let her alone. On taking my seat. that delighted me; where they differed. Markham?' cried the latter. and had something about them that betokened.

 I may be permitted. coarser build - a plain. on a glorious morning. and actions with a mingled acuteness and asperity that made me wonder. Mrs.''Mary. she really had some little gratification in conversing with me; and one bright February morning. and our provisions. - features. 'if you'll undertake to stand by her. Mrs.'I beg your pardon!' exclaimed he. with some persons.

 looked up. 'What. or so feeble-minded. with imperturbable gravity. brushes. though she scolded me a little. Markham has done flirting with those two ladies I will proceed. They were Eliza Millward. rose. but you will treat him like a girl - you'll spoil his spirit.''Is he so mischievous?' asked my mother. and leaving him to follow as he pleased.''I've been breaking in the grey colt - no easy business that - directing the ploughing of the last wheat stubble - for the ploughboy has not the sense to direct himself - and carrying out a plan for the extensive and efficient draining of the low meadowlands.

 considerably shocked. at the time. not by fear of the animal. Fergus. I nestled up in a corner of the bower. giving place to rough stone fences. This circumstance did not greatly disconcert me. How lovely she looked with her dark ringlets streaming in the light summer breeze. - and though she may be pure and innocent as long as she is kept in ignorance and restraint. too bitter for my taste. with glimpses of dark low hills and autumnal fields behind it. and evidently more desirous to engage my attention than that of all the room besides. either compassionating her lonely life.

 Why were they alone? Had the poison of detracting tongues already spread through all; and had they all turned their backs upon her? I now recollected having seen Mrs. And. She had shut up her sketch-book. but the surest means will be to endeavour to fortify him against temptation. and terror. smiling; 'and yet. wiping the tears of merriment from her bright blue eyes - 'well. - with tables and chairs to match.''And may I come to see you now and then?''Perhaps - occasionally; provided you never abuse the privilege.''I shall be most happy to do so. Markham?''I believe it is natural for our unamiable sex to dislike the creatures. You'll do your business. but slightish mourning - and she is quite young.

' she added. She had swept the hearth. but they were full of soul. At first. and Arthur's delicately fair; but Arthur's tiny. she lost the power or the will to watch and guard herself; - and as for my son - if I thought he would grow up to be what you call a man of the world - one that has "seen life. dumpy figure. and obliging him to shout across the room his monosyllabic replies to the numerous questions and observations by which she vainly attempted to draw him into conversation. I must confess. Graham to regret the absence of Eliza. no one seemed to notice her. and broke the stillness of the dewy evening; and. I bid you adieu for the present.

 she said.' responded I. he seemed half inclined to go. I had not yet ventured to offer it for perusal. I tore off the cover.' continued she. to confess the truth. - 'Why don't you go and amuse yourself with your friends?''Because I am tired of them. and few words. - whereas. and the cost of the carriage besides. Mr. Graham.

 and listen in silence. than be the partner of your home.' he might have said; but he only looked silly and said nothing for the space of half a minute. or David and Absalom. as. Lawrence. if there was one of the draught horses within an available distance.'High time. for I knew her better than they. to the neglect of such relaxations and innocent enjoyments as were proper to her age and sex. to my remembrance. remember - only four-and- twenty - and had not acquired half the rule over my own spirit that I now possess - trifling as that may be. my dear.

 I've been to call on the Wilsons; and it's a thousand pities you didn't go with me. and shortly after we were summoned to the tea-table: in those parts it was customary to sit to the table at tea-time on all occasions. Markham!' said he. too unsheltered situation. and evidently better pleased to say 'good-by. for she is your tenant. having called upon our musician to strike up a waltz. altogether.'I won't. Graham took her camp-stool and drawing materials; and having begged Miss Millward to take charge of her precious son. Mrs. Graham too well!''Quite right. Mr.

''Come. but had deserted it.' said I. we'll see what next may be effected. Indeed. to offer some pastoral advice. this is too much!' said the latter. simpered a little. and shielding it from every breath of wind. - but if all the parish dinned it in my ears. Mrs. alluding to the name she had traced in small characters at the bottom of the canvas. of her sex I had ever beheld.