"He is fortunate in having such a defender," said his lordship. bowing gallantly.

"Our friends are scarcely worth possessing," said Miss Ponsonby, unless they defend us when absent. But I am not aware that Mr. Ferrers needs any defence."

His lordship turned on his heel and hummed an opera air.

"Mr. Ferrers paid us a long visit," said the consul, who was now desirous that the conversation should proceed.

"He had evidently a great inducement," said Lord Bohun. "I wonder he ever departed."

"He is a great favourite in this house," said Miss Ponsonby.

"I perceive it," said Lord Bohun. "What Ferrers is he?" inquired the consul. "Oh, he has gentle blood in his veins," said Lord Bohun. "I never heard his breeding impeached."

"And I should think, nothing else," said Miss Fonsonby.

"Oh. I never heard any thing particular against Ferrers," said his loriship; "except that he was a roue; and a little mad. That is ali"

"Enough, I should think," said Major Ponsonby, with a clouded brow.

"What a roue may be, I can scarcely be supposed to judge," said Henrietta. "It, however it be a man remarkable for the delicacy of his thoughts and conduct, Mr Ferrers has certainly some claim to the title. As for his madness, he was our constant companion for nearly three months: if he be nad, it must be very little indeed." He was a great favourite of Henrietta," said her father, with a forced smile.

"Fortunate inan!" said the lord. "Fortunate Ferrers!" Lord Bohun stepped into the garden with the consul: Miss Ponsonby was left alone. Firm as had been her previous demeanour, now, that she was alone, her agitated countenance de oted the tumult of her mind. A roue! Could it be so! Could it be posible! Was she, while she had pledged the freshness of her virgin mind to this unknown man; was she, after all, only a fresh sacrifice to his insatiable vanity! Ferrers a roue! That loftyminded man, who spoke so eloquently, and so wisely, was he a roue, an eccentric roue; one whose unprincipled conduct could only be excused at the expense of his in telect? She could not credit it; sh would not credit it; and yet his conduct had been so strange, so mysterious, so unnecessarily mysterious and then she recollected his last dark muttered words. "You may hear of me, and not to my advantage " On, what a prophecy! And from hom she had never heard. He had. at least, kept this sad promise. Very sorrowful was the consul's daughter. And then she bethought herself of his pledge, and his honour that had been never sullied. She buried her face in her hands-she conjured up to her recollection all that had happened since his arrival, perhaps his fatal arrival, in their island: all he had said, and done, and seemed to think. She would not doubt him. It was madness for a moment to doubt him. No desolation seemed so complete, no misery so full of anguish, as such suspicion: she could not doubt him: all her happiness was hope. A gentle touch roused her. It was her gazelle: the gazelle that he had so loved. She caressed it, she caressed it for his sake; she arose and joined her father and Lord Bohun in the garden, if not ligh-hearted, at lease serene.

There must have been something peculiarly captivating in the air of our Island; for Lord Bohun, who, according to his own account. had never remained in any place a week in the whole course of his life, exhibited no inclination to quit the city where Major Ponsonby presided over the interests of our commerce. He had remained there nearly a month, made himself very agreeable, and, on the whole, was a welcome guest, certainly with the consul, if not with the consul's daughter. As for the name of Mr. Ferrers, it occasionally occurred in conversation. Henrietta piqued herself upon the unsuspected inquiries which she carried on respecting her absent friend. She, how ever, did not succeed in eiciting much information. Lord Bohun was so vague, that it was impossible to annex a precise idea to any thing he ever uttered Whether Ferrers were rich or poor, really of good family, or, as she sometimes thought, or disgraceful lineage; when and where Lord Bohun and himselt had been fellow-travellers-all was alike obscure and shadowy. Not that her noble guest was inattentive to her inquiries: on the contrary,

he almost annoyed her by his constant devotion; she was almost, indeed, inclined to resent his singularly marked expressions of admiration as an insult; when, to her utter at nishment. one morning her father astounded her by an announcement that Lord Bohun had done her the honor or offering her his hand and heart. The beautitul Henri etta was in great perplexity. It was due to Lord Bohun to reject his flattering proposal without reservation: it was ifficult, almost impossible, to convince her father of her expediency of such a proceeding. There was in the proposal of Lord Bohun every circumstance which could gratify Major Ponsonby. In the wildest dreams of his paternal ambition, his hopes had never soared higher than the possession of such a son-in-law: high birth, high rank. splendid fortune, and accomplished youth, were combined in the individual whom some favouring destiny, it would seem. had wafted to this distant and obscure isle to offer his vows to its accomplished mistress That his daughter might hesitate, on so brief an acquaintance, to unite her eternal ot in life with a comparative stranger, was what he had, in some degree, anticipated; but that she should unhesitatingly and unreservedly decl ne the proposal, was conduct for which he was totally unprepared. He was disappointed and mortified for the first time in his life he was angry with his child. It is strange that Lord Bohun. who had required a deputy to make a proposition which, of all others, the most becomes and most requires a principal, should, when his fate was decided, have requested a personal interview with Miss Ponsonby. It was a favour which she could not refuse. for her father required her to grant it. She accordingly prepared herself for a repetition of the proposal from lips, douctless, unaccustomed to sue in vain. It was otherwise: never had Lord Bohun conducted himselt in a more kind and unaffected manner than during this interview: it pained Miss Ponsonby to think she had pained one who was in reality so amiable: she was glad, however. to observe that he did not appear very much moved or annoyed. Lord Bohun expressed his gratitude for the agreeable hours he had spent in her society; and then most delicately ventured to inquire whether time might, perhaps, influence Miss Ponsonby's determinat on? And when he had received her most courteous, though hopeless an swer, he only expressed his wishes for her future happiness, which he could not doubt.

"I feel." said Lord Bonun, as he was about to depart: "I feel," he said, in a very hesitating voice, "I am taking a great, and unwarrantable liberty; but believe me, dear Miss Ponsonby, the inquiry, if I could venture to make it, is inspired by the sincerest desire for your welfare."

"Speak with freedom, Lord Bohun; you will ever, I am sure, speak with kindness."

"I woud not willingly despair then, unless I believed that heart were engaged to another."

Miss Ponsonby bent down and plucked a flower, and her brow covered with blushes, with an agitated hand tore the flower to pieces

"Is this a fair inquiry?" she murmured

"It is for your sake I inquire," said Lord Bohun.

Now an irresistible conviction came over her mind that Lord Bohun was thinking of Ferrers, and a desire on her part as strong to learn at length something of her myste rious lover.

"What, indeed, if I be not mistress of my heart?" She spoke without raising her head.

"in that case I will believe that it belongs to one worthy of such a treasure"

You speak of Edwin Ferrers?" said Miss Ponsonby. "The same "

"You know him?" she inquired, in a choking voice. "I know and honour him. I have long believed that the world did not boast a man more sifted; now I know that it does not possess a man more blessed."

"Shall you see him?" she inquired, in a quick tone. "Probably you will see him first: I am sufficiently acquainted with his movements to know that he will soon be here. This Greek boy whom you have sometimes noticed is his page: I wish him to join his master again ; and methinks the readiest way will be to leave him in this isle. Here, Spiridion, bow to your new mistress, and beautiful for her sake, as well as that of your lord's - Adieu! dearest Miss Ponsonby!"

This strange conversation with Lord Bohun at parting, was not without a certain wild, but not unpleasing influence over the mind of Henrietta Ponsonby. Much as

it at first had agitated her, its result, as she often mused over it, was far from being without solace It was consoling, indeed, to know that one person, at least, honour ed that beinz in whom she had so implicitly relied. Lod Bohun, also, had before spoken of Ferrers in a very different tone: but she felt confidence in the unusual seriousness of his last communication; and with satisfac tion contrasted it with the heedlessness, or the levity, of his former intimations. Here, too, was the page of Fer rers at her side the beautiful and bright-eyed Spiridion How strange it was! how very strange! Her simple lite had suddenly become like some shifting fairy tale: but love, indeed, is a fairy, and full of marv is and magic-it changes all things: and the quietest domestic hearth, when shadowed by its wing, becomes as rife with wonders and adventure as if it were the passionate theatre of some old romance. Yes! the bright-eyed Greek page of her mysterious and absent lover was at her s de-but then he only spoke Greek. In vain she tried to make him comprehend how much she desired to have tidings of his master. The graceful mute could on'y indulge in airy pantomime, point to the skies and ocean, or press his hand to his heart in token of fidelity. Henrietta amused herself in teaching Spiridion Italian, and repaid herself for all her trouble in occasionally obtaining some slight information of her friend. In time she learned that Fer rers was in Italy, and had seen Lord Bohun before the departure of that nobleman. In answer to her anxious and often-repeated inquiries whether he would soon retorn, Spiridion was constant to his consoling affirmative. Never was such a sedulous mistress of languages as Henrietta Ponsonby. She learned, also, that an Albanion scarf. which the page wore round his waist, had been given him by his master when Spiridion quitted him: and Henrietta instantly exchanged the scarf for a Barbary shawl of uncommon spendour.

Now it happened one afternoon towards sunset, as the Greek page rambling, as was his custom, over the neigh bouring heights, beheld below the spreading fort, the neighbouring straits, and the distant sea, that a vessel appeared in right, and soon entered the harbour It was an English vessel-it was the yacht of Lord Bohun. The page started and watched the vessel with a fixed and earnest gaze: soon he observed the British consul in his boat row to the side of the vessel. and almost immediate ly return. At that moment the yacht hoisted a signalupon a white ground a crimson heart-whereupon Spiridion, drawing from his breast a letter, kissed it twice, and bounded away

"No, I paid my respects to him immedately, but he was unwell. He breakfasts with us to-morrow at ten."

The morrow came, but ten o'clock brought no Lord Bohun; and even eleven sounded: the consul sought his daughter, to consult her-he was surprised to learn that Miss Ponsonby had not returned from her early ramble. At this moment a messenger arrived from the yacht to say, that, from some error, Lord Bohun had repaired to the casino, where he awaited the consul. The major mounted his barb and soon reached the pavilion. As he entered the garden. he beheld, in the distance, his daughter and Mr. Ferrers. He was, indeed, surprised. Itappeared that Henrietta was about to run forward to him; but her companion checked her, and she disappeared down a neighbouring walk. Mr. Ferrers advanced, and saluted her father.

"You are surprised to see me, my dear sir?" "I am surprised, but most happy. You come, of course, with Lord Bohun ?" Mr. Ferrers bowed.

"I am very desirous of having some conversation with you, my dear Major Ponsonby," continued Mr Ferrers. "I am ever at your service, my dear sir: but at the present moment I must go and greet his lordship."

"Oh, never mind Bohun." said Mr Ferrers, carelessly. "I have no ceremony with him-he can wait." The major was a little perplexed.

"You must know, my dearest sir," continued Mr. Ferrers." that I was to speak to you on a subject in which my happiness is entirely concerned."

"Proceed sir," said the consul, looking still more puzzled.

"You can scarcely be astonished, my dearest sir, that I should admire your daughter." I he consul bow d.

"Indeed," said Mr. Ferrers, " it seems to me impossi ble to know her and not admire: 1 should say, adore her." "You flatter a father's feelings." said the consul.

"l express my own," replied Mr. Ferrers "I love her -I have long loved her, devotedly." Hem!" said Major Ponsonby.

"I feel," continued Mr. F., "that there is a great deal to apologize for in my conduct, both towards you and herself: I feel that my conduct may, in some degree be considered even unpardonable: I will not say that the end justifies the means, Major Ponsonby but my end was, at least, a great, and, I am sure, a virtuous one."

"I do not clearly comprehend you. Mr. Ferrers."

"It is some consolation to me," continued that gentleman, "that the daughter has pardoned me: now let me indulge the delightful hope that I may be as successful with the father "

He bounded away toward the city, and scarcely slack
ened his pace until he arrived at the consul's mansion-
he rushed in, dashed up the staircase, and entered the
saloons. At the window of one, gazing on the sunset.
was Henrietta Ponsonby-her goze was serious. but her
beautiful countenance was rather tinged by melancholy
than touched by gloom-pensive, not sorrowful. By her
side lay her guitar, still echoing. as it were, with her touch,
and near it the Albanian scarf, on which she had embroi-tary neglect. Pray, my dear sir, listen to me."
dered the name of her beloved. Of him, then, were the
gentle mu igs? Who can doubt? Her gentle musings
were of him whom she had loved with such un xampled
trust. Fond, beautiful, confiding maiden! It was the
strength of thy mind as much as the simplicity of thy
heart that rendered thee so faithful and so firm! Who
would not envy thy unknown adorer? Can he be false?
Suspicion is for weak minds and cold-blooded spirits.
Thou never didst doubt; and thou was just, for, behold,
he is true!

"I will, at least, listen with patience to you, Mr. Ferrers; but I must own your meaning is not very evident to me: let me, at east, go and shake hands with Lord Bohun."

"I will answer for Lord Bohun excusing your momen

A flut ering sound roused her she turned her head, and expected to see her gazelle: it was Spiridion, his face was wreathed with smiles as he held towards her a letter She seized it she recognised in an instant he hand-writ ing she had so often studied it was his! Yes! it was his. It was the handwriting of her beloved. Her face was pale, her hand trembled; a cloud moved before her vision; vet at length she read these words:

"If, as I hope, and as I believe, you are faithful to those vows, which, since my departure, have been my only consolation, you will meet me to-morrow, two hours before noon, in our garden. I come to claim my bride; until my lips have expressed to you how much I adore you, let nothing be known to our father."

"My dearest Henrietta," said the consul, as he entered, "who. think you, ha returned! Lord Bohun." "Indeed!" said Henrietta. "Have you seen him?"

"I wish to make you acquainted, Major Ponsonby, with the feelings which influenced me when I first landed on this island. This knowledge is necessary for my justifition."

"But what is there to justify ?" inquired the Major. "Conceive a man born to great fortune," continued Mr. F.. without noticing the interruption, " and to some accident of life, which many esteem above fortune; a station as eminent as his wealth-conceive this man master of his destiny from his boyhood, and early experienced in that great world with which you are not unacquainted -conceive him with a heart, gifted, perhaps, with too dangerous a sensibility; the dupe and the victim of all whom he encounters-conceive him, in disgust, flying from the world that had deceived him and divesting himself of those accidents of existence which, however envied by others, appeared to his morbid imagination the essential causes of his misery-conceive this man, unknown and obscure, sighing to be valued for those qualities of which fortune could not deprive him, and to be loved only for his own sake-a miserable man sir!"

"It would seem so," said the consul.

"Now, then, for a moment imagine this man apparently in possession of all for which he had so long panted; he is loved. he is loved for himself, and loved by a being surpassing the brighest dream of his purest youth; yet the remembrance of the past poisons, even now, his joy. He

Moderato.

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