be denied. But it was not this dangerous gift alone that had won the love of Sir Harry Lisle Clara's fascinations were of a still higher order. Sir Harry knew that in making her his wife he had secured a companion whose kindness of heart and gentleness of disposition would soothe him in the time of trial, and make even the bitter sweet to him in his passage through life, In him Clara had found all her peculiar temperament required—a friend as well as a husband -an adviser as well as a lover-a support as well as an admirer. She was young, and might reasonably look forward to years of happiness, and to being exempt from even a common share of a mortal's sorrows. "Annie, I will be ready in a moment," replied Lady Lisle to her friend's remonstrance, as, re-entering the sitting-room in riding attire, she found her, apparently forgetful of her engagement, leaning against a window overlooking the ocean. The two friends were soon enjoying the beautiful sea breeze, which relieved the intense heat of one of July's hottest days. The view, differing from that of most sea places, was one of varied beauty. Rocks clothed with masses of trees opposed their resistless force to ocean's stormy impetuosity, or in quiet grandeur received his caresses, as the white waves, with unvarying sound, calmly rolled in, one after another, against their time-worn surfaces. Here and there yellow, sandy beaches reflected the sun's rays, and afforded a picturesque anchorage to numerous fishing and pleasure-boats. Inland, blue, distant hills might be seen-well-wooded plains the sparkle of a winding river, hastening to pay tribute to its ocean parentand many a noble park and mansion, the homes, the pride of English hearts! Well might the anxiously-expected Sir Harry Lisle reciprocate the pleasure with which his return home, after a six months' absence, was anticipated! Ashton Park had been the seat of his forefathers. Its gray towers had witnessed the entrance and exit of successive generations of the Lisles. It was endeared to him by traditions-by memories of boyhood's youth. Happy recollections were as sociated with it. Latterly, and principally, it possessed the charm of being the home of his wife and child. Sir Harry had been the child of prosperity. Riches had been his inheritance. He would surely quietly fill up the measure of his days, and to his children leave his name and his possessions! CHAPTER III. "The day is lowering-stilly black On earth 'twas yet all calm around, "Ir is oppressively hot," said Miss Mowbray, as the two friends, on returning from their ride, were walking on the terrace, which commanded the sea view already described. "And will be unusually stormy, I fear, to judge by those fiery clouds in the west. Look over the beacon; it is late-another day is passing! No tidings of the yacht! It seems very unaccountable. I cannot help— and yet 6 Checking the expression of the troubled thoughts which would intrude themselves on her mind, Lady Lisle suddenly stood still, gazing in silence on the scene before her, as if afraid of giving utterance to words implying a vague fear. Annie was a few steps in advance of her friend, and, joining her, hastily exclaimed, in her usually thoughtless manner, "How beautiful! how splendid! how I love to see the elements, those awfully difficult, incomprehensible agents,' as the natural philosophy books call them, preparing to get into a rage, a real 'bonâ fide' rage!—I can enter into their composition at such a time— then there seems something sympathetic between us! How dark and stormy it does look-really grand, sublime! How can people stuff themselves between feathers, and stand close to non-conductors, when there is something so splendid to be seen! Come, Clara, do admire and wonder, and pay homage to the surpassing beauty of a thunderstorm." Annie turned towards Lady Lisle, surprised at her silence, but was pained on perceiving an unusually anxious expression on VOL. I. D |