consent to such a sacrifice on his part. Yet I sympathize with you most sincerely, and will willingly do all that in propriety I can to alleviate your sorrow; but knowing his sentiments, how could I advise, or even acquiesce in his going?"

"My pure-hearted girl, forgive a request made so thoughtlessly. I had not considered, as I should have done; yet you can appreciate the anxious feelings which dictated it." As she spoke, Mrs. Carlton clasped her friend to her heart, and wept on her shoulder. No tear dimmed Mary's eye; yet that she suffered, none who looked on her pale brow and writhing lips could doubt. As she raised her head to reply, Dr. Bryant entered, and started visibly on seeing her. Mrs. Carlton endeavoured to regain her composure; and, with a slightly faltering voice, asked how he succeeded in procuring horses?

"Better than I had hoped, was the rejoinder; and he held out his hand to Mary. She gave him hers, now cold as ice. He held it a moment, and pressed it gently, saying: "You see my sister is going to run away on the first intimation of danger. I hope she has not infected you with her fears; though, to judge from your looks, I should almost predict a stampede in another direction."

"Indeed you are quite right. Florry and I are going with her; though we had decided on leaving before we knew she intended doing so."

Ah! you did not seem to apprehend any immediate

denger when we conversed on this subject a few days since. What has changed your views?"

"I have been warned not to risk the dangers attendant on the approaching conflict by a Mexican friend, whose attachment I have every reason to believe is sincere; and besides, it needed but little to augment my fears; and Florry and I concluded, if practicable, to remove to a place of greater safety."

"Can you be ready within two days, think you, Miss Mary? for, if we leave at all, it is advisable that we do so immediately."

“Oh, yes! I know we can be ready by that time." "Let me see how many additional horses shall we need? Yourself, your cousin, and aunt, and myself."

Mary looked eagerly at Mrs. Carlton; but she had averted her head; and for a moment a terrible struggle within kept the gentle girl silent.

"Dr. Bryant, I know you do not wish to leave here at this juncture, intensely interested as you are in the event, and I fear you are sacrificing your own wishes for our benefit. Let me beg you to consult your inclinations, and do not feel it in the least incumbent on you to attend us, particularly when we are in the kind care of Mr. Carlton; and you have already done so much toward contributing to our comfort."

"Thank you for your consideration. Nevertheless, I shall not rest satisfied till I place you in safety on the banks of the Brazos. One of my greatest pleasures has been to render you service, and you would not abridge

them, I hope, by refusing my company on your journey ?"

Mary's eyes were fixed earnestly on his face while he spoke, and though there was no change in his kind, gentle tone, there came an undefinable expression over his noble countenance-an expression in which coldness and sorrow predominated. She could not understand him; yet a shudder crept through her frame, and a sensation of acute pain stole into her heart. She felt as though a barrier had suddenly risen between them, yet could not analyze the cause.

"Your servants will take all possible care of the house and furniture during your absence, which, I hope, will be but temporary. They will not be molested; and I am afraid we could not conveniently carry two additional persons. What think you of this arrangement ?"

"I think with you, that under existing circumstances the servants could not well accompany us; and though they will incur no danger, I regret the necessity of leaving them, particularly should they object."

"I hope you will find no difficulty in arranging every thing to your entire satisfaction, previous to our departure. You and my sister must consult as to all minor points, and I must look to our preparations. respects to your cousin. I will see you again tomorrow;" and bidding her good morning, he turned away.

My

"Oh, such a weight is lifted from my heart!"

exclaimed Mrs. Carlton.

I am called on to do."

"I can now exert myself as

"Florry will be waiting for me, and we have much to do at home; so good-by," and Mary lifted her pale face for a farewell kiss.

Mrs. Carlton affectionately embraced her, and bidding her "make all speed," they parted.

666

THE PRIEST.

There is a soul just delivered from Purgatory!' It was found to be a frog dressed in red flannel."

LORENCE

KIRWAN.

LORENCE having succeeded as she imagined, in convincing her aunt that it was advisable to remove from San Antonio, slowly proceeded to the church-yard, little dreaming that the door had scarcely closed behind her ere Aunt Lizzy, with swift steps, directed her way to the house of the Padre. He was writing, but gave his attention, and heard, with ill-disguised chagrin, that Florence distrusted his promised protection.

'Does she doubt in matters of faith, think you?" he eagerly inquired.

"Indeed, Padre, I can not say. All I know is, that she and Mary sat till midnight, reading and talking, and she has not seemed like herself since."

"Where shall I find Florence ?" said he taking his

hat.

"In the church-yard, I think, beside her father's grave."