I

gested. The very first memorandum contained her reasons for loving her dear M pressed the book to my lips, and proceeded

to

66 REASON THE FIRST.

"A good temper is better in a companion than a great wit. If dear M-- is deficient in the latter, it is not his fault, and his excellence in the former makes ample amends."

No

How! As much as to say I am a good-natured fool. Was there no other construction? error of the press? None. The context assured me that I was not mistaken.

66 REASON THE SECOND.

"Personal beauty is not requisite in a husband, and if he is a little mistaken in his estimate of himself in this respect, it will make him happy, and save me the trouble of labouring for that end.”

Conceited and ill-favoured! My head began to swim.

66 REASON THE THIRD.

"I have been told that very passionate attachments between married people are produc

tive of much disquietude and jealousy. The temperate regard, therefore, which I feel for dear Margues well for the serenity of our lives-Heigh-ho!"

Furies!

66 REASON THE FOURTH.

"I have sometimes doubted whether this temperate regard be really love, but, as pity is next a-kin to love, and I pity him on so many points, I think I cannot be mistaken."

Pity!

66 REASON THE FIFTH.

"I pity him because it is necessary that I should place him on the shelf during Lord S-'s visit, for fear S- should be discouraged by appearances, and not make the declaration which I have been so long expecting."

Place me on the shelf!!

66

REASON THE SIXTH.

"I pity him, because, if S-really comes forward, I shall be obliged to submit poor dear M-to the mortification of a dismissal."

!!!

66 REASON THE SEVENTH.

"I pity him, because he is so extremely

kind and obliging in quitting the room whenever his presence becomes troublesome."

!!!!

66 REASON THE EIGHTH.

"I pity him, because his great confidence in my affection makes him appear so ridiculous, and because S- laughs at him."

!!!!!

66

REASON THE NINTH.

"I pity him, because, if I do ultimately marry him, S― will tell every body that it is only because I could not obtain the barouche and four-Heigh-heigh ho!”

!!!!!!

"REASON THE TENTH.

"I pity him, because he has so kindly consented to meet me on my return from the charity-school, without once suspecting that I go to give S― a last opportunity. He is really a very good young man-Ah, well-a-day!".

And ah, well-a-day !!!!!! &c., &c.—Let no man, henceforth, endeavour to enjoy the luxury of his mistress' secret thoughts.

I closed the book, and walked to the window. The river flowed temptingly beneath it.

Would it be best to drown myself or shoot myself? Or would it be best to take horse after the barouche, and shoot Lord S-? I was puzzled with the alternatives. It was absolutely necessary that somebody should be put to death, but my confusion was too great to decide upon the victim.

"a

At this critical juncture of my fate, when I was wavering between the gallows and " grave where four roads meet," Lady Barbara came dancing in, to request my assistance upon her drawing. She was petrified at my suicidal appearance, and, indeed, seemed in doubt whether the act of immolation had not been already effected. Her fears rushed in crimson to her cheek, as she inquired the cause of my disorder; and her beauty and the interesting concern she expressed cast an entire new light upon me. I would be revenged on Lady Betty in a manner far more cutting than either drowning or shooting. Barbara was the prettiest by far-Barbara was the best by infinity. Sweet, simple, gentle Barbara! How generously had she sacrificed her feelings, and given me up to her sister! How happy was I to

have it in my power to reward her for it! She now should be the partner of my declining years, the soother of my cares, the mother of my precious babes; and as for Lady Betty--I renounced her. I found that my heart had all along been Barbara's, and I congratulated myself upon being brought to my senses.

The business was soon opened, and we were all eloquence and blushes. I expressed my warm admiration of her self-denial and affection for her sister; hinted at my knowledge of her sentiments for myself; explained every particular of my passion, prospects, and genealogy, fixed upon our place of residence, and allotted her pin-money. It was now Barbara's "She was confused-she was distressed -she feared-she hoped-she knew not what to say." She paused for composure, and I waited in an ecstasy-"Why," I exclaimed,

turn.

66

why will you hesitate, my own, my gentle Barbara? Let me not lose one delicious word of this heavenly confession." Barbara regained her courage. "Indeed, then-indeed, and indeed-I have been engaged to my cousin for more than three years!"