imagination by seeking realities. For a time I was almost happy, and in my new pursuits, the wonderful works of Providence first appeared before me in all their grandeur and beauty. Insensibly my thoughts rose from the creation to the Creator, and I finally fixed my heart on that basis which is firmer than the adamantine rock.

"My wife's health declined and I took her abroad. One day at Florence I had accompanied her to the Gallery, and leaving her with a party whose gaiety was more congenial to her taste than my grave conversation, I strolled into the room containing that exquisite group of the Niobe and her children; but I saw not the statues, an object far more beautiful than any work of man, a masterpiece from the Divine hand arrested my attention. You, Teresa, were standing before the group, absorbed in rapt contemplation, and for some time you saw nothing but the work of immortal fame before you. The enthusiasm of kindred genius shone

in your eyes, and your attitude of grace and earnestness showed the superiority of the masterhand which had created you.

"You saw me at last, and, as you may remember we were introduced to each other; and your sweet, melodious voice corresponded with your graceful form and features.

"I next met you at a dinner-party, and in the evening you sang. Oh! Teresa, never shall I forget the effect of your singing on my heart The song you selected was the same which the unhappy Jessy chose the night before her death; and as I listened to her and thought of you, that expression doubtless shone in my eyes which so fatally misled her, and, I perceived, surprised even you. I was always a passionate admirer of singing, especially the low tones of a female voice, and then such tones as you produced, so rich, so clear, so touching! I never heard any woman sing to equal you-I have doubtless heard more powerful voices and more brilliant execution, but never such thrilling expression, such soothing harmony. Then followed, in quick

succession, your marriage and the death of my poor wife.

"I disliked Sir Edward St. John from the first moment I saw him, and in each succeeding interview this dislike increased. I saw his utter want of real feeling, his cold selfishness, and altogether his unworthiness to be your husband; and knowing his ambitious character, I own it surprised me not a little, that even your attractions should make him overlook the advantages of birth and wealth—excuse my candour. Fate seemed resolved to try my strength to the uttermost, by throwing me constantly in your path.

"You remember our meeting when your horses had taken fright on the road to Milan, and my accompanying you to that city. But my feelings gained force every hour that I passed in your society; I was but human, and no mortal could have seen you, neglected by your husband, and bearing his petulance like an angel, without commiserating and-loving ;ou! Yes, Teresa, I have loved you from the

first moment I beheld you, and something tells me that fate will not always separate us. Do not cast away my letter in indignation at this bold avowal of affection, but finish it, and then condemn me if you will.

"I struggled successfully with my unhappy love, and tore myself from the country containing you, returning to my mother in

shire.

"I again strove to resume my scientific studies, but the paths of science require an unembarrassed intellect and clear mind. Alas! mine were far from being such, and in hopelessness I abandoned the pursuit. I perceived that my dejection caused much anxiety in my poor mother's affectionate heart, and for her sake I sought society, and strove to banish thought in trifling conversation."

[Here Sedley detailed his acquaintance with Charles Annesly, George Dallas's engagement, and the death of Miss Grenfell, together with a description of the widow Brown and her daughter. And then he continued:-]

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Preoccupied as were my thoughts, I was myself struck with the interesting appearance of Mrs. Brown's daughter, Louisa; she is the sort of being one would choose for a friend, and I am convinced you would love her immediately if you saw her. We all remarked the dejection of her countenance, and the extreme reserve of her manners; and none of the neighbours could assign any reason for her melancholy, since the widow and her daughter held no intercourse with any one.

"It seems that George Dallas was particularly interested by Louisa's appearance during his visits to inquire after Miss Grenfell, but when that young lady died, of course, he for a time lost sight of the mother and daughter.

"I received this morning a letter from Charles Annesly, inclosing one from George Dallas, and that inclosure contains the important intelligence which so materially affects you. Prepare yourself, dear Lady St. John, for a great surprise, I fear a great shock; but call all your resolution to your aid, and, for God's sake, do