Her arguments, ably supported by Mr. G-, have convinced me I can do good at home. I am not yet wise and prudent enough for a missionary. Another project of mine, of which you have not heard, they cordially approve. I will tell you the whole story. A few days before I left home, as I went into a shop in Street, I caught a glimpse of a face that I thought was a familiar one; but it was immediately averted. The lady who thus attracted my attention was dressed in a rich but faded lilac silk, and a soiled bonnet, whose flowers were in "the sere and yellow leaf." She had a shabby, foreign air, which led me to conclude I never could have claimed the acquaintance of such an impersonation of forlorn and faded gentility. She was making some trifling purchase; the sound of her well-known voice startled me-it was my quondam friend, Geraldine M- now Mrs. W. Dear aunt, I had not seen her since her marriage morning, when we parted at the church door; and you cannot conceive what a shock it gave me. Not wishing for a scene in the shop, I waited until she had completed her purchase, and then followed her into the street. She walked rapidly, so that I was obliged to call," Geraldine! Geraldine!" She turned, and such a haggard, woe-stricken face met my eye, that I started back, about to beg pardon for my mistake, when she reassured me, by saying "Isabella, I thought you would not wish to recognise me, and hurried away." I held out my hand, but for a moment could not speak. We walked on together, until we came to a mean-looking house, where Geraldine hesitated, blushed, and at length invited me to walk in, if it would not be "too great a condescension." I excused myself, saying that I would call the next day, and should have done so before, had I known that she was in town. I had heard, some time since, of Mr. M- -'s failure, and that, notwithstanding his own misfortunes, he continued to refuse to see Geraldine. I called the next day, but she was not at home; again I called, and received the same message from a dirty little servant girl, who looked at my card as if such a curiosity had never come into her hands before. I requested our good minister to make inquiries about W and learn, if possible, how he supported his family. He did so, and informed me that they had very recently returned from Italy, where they had resided since their marriage, and had taken one room in the house where I attempted to call. The elegant, the splendid Geraldine M- reduced to such extremity! They are very poor. W- has been a dissipated gambler, but would now gladly be employed in any honest way for a support. He has been unkind too, very unkind, to Geraldine. God forgive and amend him! And now, my dear aunt, conscience would not let me rest until I had done something for them. Through the merciful providence of God, I was spared from the fate of Geraldine. You remember my girlish fancy for W. Rejoice with me that he never suspected it! Besides, you know I was a witness of the marriage, and in that way an abettor of Geraldine's disobedience to her parents. I have consulted Mr. G- —, and through his agency have purchased a snug little farm, with a pretty cottage upon it, which is to be secured to Geraldine. I wished not to be known in this affair; but Clara, with her straightforward honesty, insisted that it would give Geraldine less pain than to be indebted to an unknown benefactor. Mr. Ghas had the kindness to write to W and his wife, and (how shall I be sufficiently grateful?) they have accepted the offer with thankfulness. W- says his father was a plain farmer, who educated him at college for a profession; but instead of reaping the advantage of a college education, he set up for a gentleman. So you see, aunt, this idea of a farm was a lucky thought. He says farther, that both Geraldine and himself will gladly escape from a place so fraught with painful associations as R. They will be within two miles of our excellent friends, Mr. Gand Clara. With their example and advice, what may they not become? And what a beautiful example of coujugal happiness do I behold from day to day! The most cheerful piety adorns their life, the most active usefulness exalts it. Happy in each other's society, to fulfil the apostolic injunction, "to be given to hospitality," must cost them no little self-sacrifice. Yet they do fulfil it to the utmost. How sweet, how delightful, is their kind attention to me! Who can leave this happy home, without having been made wiser and better! Yet, believe me, dear aunt Susan, my resolution is firm. I shall emulate your goodness in single blessedness. I must have your assistance and your counsel, in dispensing "judiciously," as my much-loved friend says, "the ample fortune that the Almighty Disposer has intrusted to my stewardship." Our home, too, may be a happy one, dearest aunt, "For in thy heart there is a holy spot, As 'mid the waste an isle of fount and palm And my impulsive, impetuous spirit shall be calmed; for, with God's blessing, I will learn self-government. "I am weak, but He is mighty," and, with his holy guidance, I hope to pass safely through the world, to my heavenly home. With all my faults, love me, dear aunt, pray for me, and expect soon to see your THE END. EDINBURGH: PRINTED BY T. NELSON AND SONS. ISABELLA. ILLUSTRATED WORKS. BOOKS FOR PRESENTS. BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG. &c. &c. &c. TALES OF THE BOYHOOD OF GREAT PAINTERS. BY LADY JERVIS. Foolscap 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth, price, 3s. 6d. Gilt leaves, 4s. 6d. Morocco extra, 7s 6d. A LAMP TO THE PATH; or, The Bible in the Heart, the Home, and the Market-Place. 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