through good report and evil report she might ever have relied.

In the violence of her remorse, and the virtuous zeal of the moment, Theresa again fancied that she had come to the resolution of giving up her own happiness in order to secure that of her guardian; and, with a flushed cheek and throbbing heart, she actually rose from her seat in order to complete the sacrifice, by the voluntary renunciation of Lord Herbert. But ere she had reached the door, his image rushed to her imagination, and with it returned all those enthusiastic feelings of love and admiration with which he had inspired her. Little indeed did Theresa know her own weakness, when even contemplating the possibility of such self-devotion; little was she aware of the overpowering influence of passion on a mind so undisciplined as hers.

In about an hour another packet was brought her from Trevelyan; on breaking the

seal she found that it contained the letter, which she had at their recent interview put into his hands. That letter was, as may be supposed, from Lord Herbert, being the passionate declaration of love and constancy, by which he had, on the morning of Theresa's departure from Trevelyan Castle, confirmed his former professions of devotion, and her own rapturous expectations; at the end of the letter she had herself added these few words addressed to Trevelyan, "I have referred him to my guardian for a final answer."

After having again and again feasted her eyes on the adored characters in this letter of her lover's, though every word they formed was already known by heart, and every sentiment those words expressed engraven on her soul; Theresa, with a passionate sigh, was returning it to the envelope, when some writing within, which she had not before observed, caught her eye. It was evidently her

guardian's, but so changed, it was with difficulty that she deciphered the words, which were to this effect.

"Let your mind be at rest; trust to me, I will do all in my power to secure your happiness. I intend immediately to leave home for a short time, therefore do not let any repugnance at the idea of meeting me, when in my present agitated state of feeling, prevent you from joining my sister as usual. She knows all, for I thought you might wish to be spared the pain of informing her of what has passed between us. You may therefore speak to her on the subject, or not, as you like best. F. T."

"Excellent! generous Trevelyan," exclaimed Theresa, as she read these words, and again all her self-upbraidings and doubts returned; but need it be added, that love-all-powerful love,

again interposed, and finally triumphed. Theresa delayed leaving her own apartment as long as possible, but, being at length informed that dinner was ready, and knowing that Miss Trevelyan was now alone, she felt obliged to join her. She entered the room with the feelings of a criminal, not daring even to look towards her friend; and never since that day, on which Theresa had first been received under her hospitable roof, had their tête-à-tête repast been eaten in such comfortless silence.

When at last Theresa ventured to raise her eyes towards her dear Treevy, the sight of her's, red and heavy with recent tears, gave a fresh pang to her heart, for she could well guess at their cause, and again took herself to task for thus afflicting all those who had been most kind to her. The instant dinner was over the friends separated (not a word having passed between them with reference to that subject which filled both their minds), and

Theresa hastily escaped to the garden, hoping that the fresh air might compose her nerves and cool her aching head. But there every object which she saw brought to her recollection some trait of her guardian's kindness, and again renewed the struggle between love and gratitude; for her mind recurred to those peaceful evenings when, a few months back, before a stronger feeling had taken possession of her soul, she in happiness and contentment had wandered with her two friends on the lovely Thames, marking with pleasure returning cheerfulness on Miss Trevelyan's countenance - that much-loved countenance, now again saddened, and by her means! She remembered too (and now full well understood) each trait of devoted affection on the part of Trevelyan; the expression of his eyes, when fixed upon her while she sang his favourite songs, or when, in mock contention, they had gaily argued some disputed point.