who was then in London, to be present at his wedding, she absolutely doubted the evidence of her senses. She, however, on more mature reflection, so far availed herself of the invitation that she hastened to town, not with the intention of witnessing the ceremony, but if possible to prevent it. But she came too late, as it was solemnized before her arrival; and though both Lord and Lady Egglestone apologized for the marriage not having been delayed, on account of her absence; and though Lady Margaret, with due attention to the forms of propriety, affected to admit the excuses they offered; yet in truth she never forgave the imaginary affront: her wounded pride was concealed, not soothed; and while she consented to swell the splendid train of relatives that accompanied the bride to St. James's, she vented the malignity of her feelings in abusing her sister in law to all who would listen to her malicious insinuations.

At first Lady Margaret hesitated to

accept the invitation which Lord and Lady Egglestone gave her to continue to reside with them, from motives of incipient hatred to the Countess; but at last she consented to do so, though with an air of condescension as if she wished to impress upon their minds the everlasting obligation she thus conferred on them. The truth, however, was, that her two darling passions, the love of money, and attachment to the seat of her ancestors, was thereby gratified. Its gloomy portals, its frowning towers, its vaulted halls, were all cherished by her as monuments of hereditary grandeur; even the dark avenues that formed its approaches excited her enthusiastic admiration; nay, the very furniture, coeval with its walls, and almost as immoveable, was in her opinion far superior to the ephemeral trappings of modern days in short, taste, pride, parsimony, and, above all, the strong chain of habit, stretched through many a year, bound her affec

tions to the scenes of her early life, and caused her to feel the strongest repugnance to the idea of quitting her cherished home. "The dear Castle," said she," will always be the same, and I shall still be mistress in my own apartments at least." With these consolatory reflections she returned to Egglestone in the beginning of July, there to await the arrival of the Earl and Countess, who purposed visiting some of the fashionable watering places on their journey home.

CHAPTER II.

"Let never a man a wooing wend,
That lacketh thingis three;
A rowth of gold, an open heart,

And fu' o' courtesy."

MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER.

IT was the 7th of October when Vere

landed at Dover, where he received a letter from Miss Ogilvie mentioning that she and her mother were then at Brighton, whither he hastened immediately. The crimson blush that mantled on Maria's cheek, the pleasure that sparkled in her eye whilst the tear trembled on its lid, as she spoke her scarcely articulate welcome, told, still more eloquently, her various feelings. But when the momentary embarrassment of their first meeting was passed, the innocent vivacity that played in her smile, the grateful and confiding attention with

which she heard and believed all his professions of regard, plainly indicated the deep interest the listener felt in their sincerity.

It was not in Orlando's nature to receive unmoved such unequivocal testimonies of affection; and as he gazed on her speaking countenance, he wondered he could ever have thought her plain. "But tell me, Maria," said he at last, "are you aware of the change that has taken place in my prospects? Can you resign the hope of being mistress of Egglestone Castle, and be content with the comparatively small establishment I have now to offer you?"

" I

"Orlando," exclaimed the generous girl, laying her hand his upon arm, cannot regret-forgive me if I almost rejoice in a circumstance that brings us one little degree nearer to an equality."

"Allow me, Mr. Vere, to ask," interrupted Mrs. Ogilvie, with downcast looks, and ina hesitating manner," were you not