but the next morning she came down to breakfast perfectly restored to health, and with an expression of calm happiness in her fine countenance. Sedley was compelled to leave Rossfirth immediately after breakfast, to pay a long-delayed visit to a friend of his who lived at the distance of a few miles; but before he went, it was arranged that he should return in the afternoon to escort the young ladies during their ride.

Teresa was standing near a window when Sedley rode from the door, and, as she watched his receding figure, with what joy and gratitude did she feel that, perhaps, in a few hours he would have claimed her hand, and bound himself to her for life!

Sedley paid his visit, and turned his horse's head again towards Rossfirth-the blessed spot which contained all he held dear on earth. He rode slowly, that he might enjoy the luxury of his reflections. A few hours would perhaps bring him an opportunity of seeing his beloved 1 one; he might then clasp her to his breast,

and pour forth his long-represt love into her ear, and she would consent to be his- he could no longer doubt it-to become his own cherished wife-the light of his home-the soother of his cares!

As these delightful thoughts dwelt in Sedley's mind, he enjoyed one of those intervals of pure, unalloyed happiness which sometimes brighten the desert of life, and which are only more intense from their rarity. At length he reached the summit of a hill which overlooked the hamlet of Land the turrets and planting of Rossfirth. Never did a more glorious afternoon delight the senses than this which promised so much happiness to the ardent Sedley. It was the height and flush of beautiful, luxuriant August, and the sea, with its deep blue tint, slept in the sultry sunshine, and the far sails were drawn clearly against the cloudless sky.

The calm bay near Rossfirth, reflected in its glassy surface the green hills which overhung it, with their rich foliage and white flocks; a

thousand sweet perfumes were borne on the gentle breeze, and no sound, save the bark of a dog, or distant lowing of herds, interrupted the profound stillness around.

It seemed as though nature sympathised in Sedley's deep happiness, and promised him a calm, blissful future.

As we have before observed Sedley's was a heart peculiarly formed to enjoy domestic happiness; and yet how bitterly had he been disappointed in his first trial, and how hopeless had his chance of it appeared till now, when Teresa Cellini was associated with his future prospects!

If there be granted to mortals a foretaste of heaven, surely it lies in domestic bliss, when the soul is capable of appreciating it. O! what are the triumphs of genius, the excitement of ambition, the allurements of fame, compared to the secure, calm happiness of the loved, blessed home, where our spirit reposes with sweet tranquillity?

Weary and sick of the world's turmoil, we

ook to our dear home as a haven of rest where we may find refreshment and peace. Should our projects fail, and the many scorn and laugh at us, the loved ones round our own hearth will but redouble their tender cares to soothe and comfort us. Should our ambitious plans and aspirings fall to the ground, we have still an empire in the hearts which beat around our own fireside-an unchangeable empire, which nothing but the hand of death can destroy. When fortune deserts us, or our own imprudence has brought ruin on our house, those we have most injured, those we have impoverished, will be the first to solace us, and to kiss the hand which smote them. With deep affection they will watch our gloomy glances, hang over us in tenderness when our brow is knit in despondency, smile brightly on us when their hearts are breaking, and die ere they will add to our suffering by a betrayal of their own. And, as to reproach! they dream not of itthe more we have injured them, so much the more do their hearts yearn over us, for they

judge us by themselves, and feel far more than we do the pangs of our remorse. Then thrice blessed be thou, domestic happiness!

At length Sedley reached Rossfirth, and very shortly after his arrival, the whole party mounted their horses. On this occasion Mr. Orlando Phipps had offered to join them, and Charlotte Beverly resolved to commence her attack upon his heart forthwith.

After

The ride they took was beautiful. emerging from the thick woods of Rossfirth, they passed over an extensive plain, which was one wide-spreading carpet of purple heath, and all sorts of brilliant wild flowers. They next came to a small, rural village, and at its entrance stood an old, half-ruinous church, with its modest churchyard. As they rode past, a funeral was taking place in it, and they checked their mirth and ceased their conversation as they gazed reverentially on the sad group in the grave-yard. Their hearts were beating high with hope, and their brains teemed with plans of enjoyment for many years to come—and here, before their eyes