interrupted. Glad to meet with any auditor to whom she might pour forth the overflowings of her heart in praise of Lady Egglestone, she eagerly began to expatiate on her goodness, whilst tears, and flushing cheeks, averred the sincerity of her gratitude.

Mrs. Bruce's story was a very simple, and, I fear, not an uncommon one. Her husband was a subaltern officer, who was then serving with the army in the Peninsula; and the trifling pittance he could spare out of his pay, for the maintenance of his wife and children, was scarcely sufficient for their support. Lady Egglestone had accidentally seen Mrs. Bruce, during her late visit to Brighton, at a moment when she was particularly an object to call forth commiseration; for she was then in bad health, and in hourly expectation of being confined. To see, to pity, and to relieve distress, had but one movement in the mind of Lady Egglestone. She

sought out the sufferer, and gave, not only pecuniary relief, but, what is always more gratefully received, the soothing balm of consolation.

"She saved my life," continued Mrs. Bruce; "but, what I bless her more for, she preserved my baby's life. I had a bad fever after my lying-in; and when I was at the worst, she used to come herself to see me every day; and when I was getting better, she used to take little Harry there, and play with him as if he was her own. Sometimes I thought she enjoyed the child's games as much as he did; but, at all events, whenever she came she brought joy to us all. I never shall forget one day that I took a turn, and was very ill. I had not seen her Ladyship for three days, and I believe this disappointment affected me, for I was very weak then; but, as I was sitting looking out of the window, I heard my house inquired after by a very fine looking lady, who, when she came

in, seemed as if she thought she would be contaminated by sitting down in so miserable an apartment as this is. This was Mrs. Allison, her Ladyship's maid, whom she had sent to inquire after me, for she said her Lady could not think of coming that day, for she was to dine early to go to the play, which she had bespoke for charity. I was in very low spirits, as I said before, and I believe I looked ill, for I had just been blistered. So, in the evening, about nine o'clock, as I was sitting at this very table, reading, I heard a great noise in the street, of a carriage and a great many horses; and when I looked up, there was Lady Egglestone herself, standing at the room door! I shall remember her figure as long as I live! She had on a dark green velvet pelisse, trimmed with black soft fur-I think they call it a Bohemian dress-and a black fur cap with feathers -and her face under it was as beautiful as an angel's. The very sight of her

did me good. She staid near two hours with me, and I believe did not go to the play at all. But I beg your pardon, Sir, for my long story; I always forget myself when I speak of Lady Egglestone."

Vere with truth assured her the tale was far from uninteresting to him; but, recollecting the probability that he was by that time expected at Mrs. Ogilvie's breakfast table, he rose to take leave, promising to repeat his visit, and putting into little Harry's hand a bank note of some value, under the pretence of its being intended for the purchase of a new whip for his "pretty horse."

Various were the feelings which arose in Orlando's mind as he returned. The account that he had at first heard of Lady Egglestone's absence from the theatre, that memorable evening, recurred to his recollection; and he summed up all his reflections in mentally exclaiming, as he laid his hand on the knocker of Mrs. Ogilvie's door, "So! it is pos

sible that this strange, incomprehensible being, can even be the consolation of a sick chamber!"

Maria had been for some time in vain watching from the window for Vere's approach, and had just turned from it with disappointment in her looks, when his well-known knock announced his arrival. The tumult of her own feelings prevented her noticing his absence of manner; but when, in the course of conversation, she proposed visiting Mrs. Bruce that morning, the slight blush of interest that passed over Orlando's coun tenance, as he told her he had already done so, attracted her observation. her attention was soon withdrawn even from Orlando. The letters were brought in, and one was delivered to Mrs. Ogilvie, informing her that Mr. Ogilvie was dangerously ill at Llangwydr, and that he desired to see her and his daughter immediately.

But

Poor Maria! her joy had been but of