why, I am sure I don't know what crisis to bring about; so never mind.

Yours affectionately,

HENRY BRUCE.

On reading this letter over, which I did to make it more fit for your criticizing eye, or, perhaps, rather to see how well I had written it, I find that I have not pressed you to come half strongly enough. I must say that I think it is your duty, and a duty which, I should have thought, would have had great weight

with you. This poor old woman, in bad health,

repents of her long years of hard-hearted enmity, and now, in her first endeavours at reparation, you thwart her. I tell you what, Claude, I could preach you a regular sermon on this subject; and, if you do not come very quickly, you shall have it. I have not yet settled what my text shall be, but something very impressive; so come down, I say, directly.

Mr. James's now daily visit to Miss Grant was to take place on Wednesday, at six o'clock, in order that he might be ready to take charge of her nephew to Sir Richard Woodvile's.

"I am happy to see you so well this evening, ma'am," said the apothecary, as he sat down beside her, waiting for Henry's appearance.

"I am no better, sir-flushed, only flushed. What o'clock is it, Letitia?"

"Ten minutes after six, ma'am."

"He should be down by this time. Go up, child, to Mr. Henry Bruce's door, and say that Mr. James is waiting for him."

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Pray don't hurry him on my account, maʼam; we should be too early. You must allow me to make a few inquiries about your health. I trust......"

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My health, sir, can be looked to tomorrow. I choose that my nephew should be punctual."

"There is such a thing as being too punctual, Miss Grant," said Mr. James, coaxingly. "Pray allow me to feel your pulse; you should not neglect yourself on any account.”

"Well, child," as Letitia returned, “what does my nephew say?"

"He will be down immediately, ma'am; he was not aware that it was so late."

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Thoughtless, thoughtless youth!" said Miss Grant, with a sigh; "but he means well. My nephew is a well-bred young man, Mr. James."

"He is indeed; he appears to be a remarkably pleasing young man. My daughter is quite in love with him; an innocent attachment, ma'am, for she is but twelve years old." "Here he comes. Henry Bruce!" she called, as soon as he opened the door.

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. James," said Henry, as he shook hands with him; "but I had not the least idea that you would be ready so soon."

"Mr. James is not offended, Henry Bruce. Let me look at you; white waistcoat and black neckcloth!—well, I have no objection; I approve of it. Some young men wear embroidered waistcoats, I understand; I prefer simplicity. Have you got your gloves? Yellow gloves, I see. Had you not better put them

on ?"

"That will do as we go along," said Henry, laughing. "I only put on one; the other I hold in my hand; that makes a pair do double duty."

"You may put on both to-night; I desire it, Henry Bruce. I will send for a new pair for you to London to-morrow. Letitia Williams, write to Lonsdale's for a pair of gentleman's gloves."

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Oh, my dear aunt!" said Henry; "I assure you, it is quite unnecessary that you should take that trouble. I spoke in joke."

"It is no trouble. I choose you to wear

both your gloves to-night. Shake hands; I hope you will enjoy yourself. I expect you at a quarter after eleven. Good evening, Mr. James; I shall be glad to speak to you tomorrow morning. Letitia Williams, wish Mr. Henry Bruce good night."

On their arrival at Oakley, they found Mr. Wilmott only in the drawing-room. He was particularly fond of odd snatches of time, which are little used by other people, and was usually to be found, a quarter of an hour be fore breakfast and a quarter of an hour before dinner, standing in the middle of the room, (for he disdained to sit down at such moments,) with a book in his hand, seized on for the time only, but in which his whole soul became instantly wrapped.

He was engaged in reading when Mr. James and Henry appeared, but was standing nearer to the window than usual, as the sun had already set.

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Reading by this light, sir?" said Mr. James, as he approached him. "I must remonstrate, I must indeed. No

eyes could stand it; not the youngest and the best."

VOL. III.

G