antagonist, and actually drew his sword. Robert perceiving he was really serious, supposed him de

termined to be valiant in order to raise his reputation with his wife; and thinking he might turn the circumstance to some good account, also drew his sword and Sir Benjamin put himself in a menacing posture. Just then Lady Dove made her appearance. She screamed at the sight of their drawn swords. It was what she neither expected nor indeed wished should be the result of her demand upon her husband's valour; her only desire was to have him more completely under her control, by a conviction of his cowardice, with which she could perpetually reproach him. Her astonishment therefore was very great, when she saw them actually engaged, and the more so, when young Belfield passed an encomium upon his courage; assuring her, that however mild, gentle and forbearing he might be to her, with his own sex he was all that could be required of a brave man. After passing this high eulogium he took an opportunity of whispering in his ear-" Harkee Sir Ben, if you ever suffer her to bully you after this, you deserve to be henpecked all your life."

Sir Benjamin thanked him as heartily as he dared

-Lady Dove not being very distant; and Robert as a reward for the service he had done him, requested his promise for one hour's conversation with Sophia; when he gave him his hand upon it, and they parted.

Sir Benjamin, proud of his victory, resolved it should stand him in stead; and having had courage enough to draw his sword upon a man, determined to follow Belfield's advice, and no longer suffer himself to be henpecked by a woman. The unfortunate termagant soon found (like the man who invented the brazen bull) she had made a weapon to destroy herself; for Sir Benjamin resumed his ancient authority, became sovereign master of his own house, and ruled his vixen wife with the same rod of iron, with which she had long ruled him: nor dared she in future ask for a glass of water, unless it was his mighty will and pleasure she might do so.

Robert Belfield had got rid of a powerful enemy in Lady Dove's subdued authority, but he had lost more in Sophia's displeasure, than he had gained by her ladyship's imbecility; and he feared that even yet his brother would carry off the prize of Sophia's hand, though he was well convinced her heart was in his own possession.

The morning arrived, and preparations were made for the wedding, though Sir Benjamin knew not his daughter's intentions, or whether she designed to give her hand or not. Poor Sophia, inflamed with rage at her lover's supposed perfidy, had resolved to do what many unfortunate females under similar circumstances have done to be revenged on Belfield, she resolved to sacrifice herself-but she intended previous to her marriage with his brother, to declare the cause of her determined rejection of the man whom it was well known she loved.

For this purpose, she begged Mr. Patterson to wait upon Violetta and request her presence at the

Villa, to be a witness of her marriage with Mr. Audrew Belfield. Violetta received the mandate with

surprise and horror. Great God! (she exclaimed) upon what infernal shore am I cast-into what society of demons am I fallen? that a woman, whom by an act of honour I would have redeemed from misery and ruin, should have the insolence, the barbarity, to invite me to be a spectatress of her marriage with my own husband?

It was now Patterson's turn to be surprised; an explanation took place the mystery was elucidated; and Violetta accepted the invitation, anxious to clear the fame of her estimable benefactor; though she could not redeem her own happiness.

Andrew Belfield made his appearance at Dove Villa to receive the hand of his lovely bride; yet, though he looked gay and handsome in his bridal attire, none need have envied his feelings. Stung with remorse, ashamed of the deed he was about to do, yet goaded on by the denions of envy and revenge to supplant his brother, whose presence was hateful to him, more especially after the injuries he had done him, he resolved to marry Sophia; though the moment which gave him her hand should doom

him to endless perdition: but Violetta's image still haunted his imagination; and the gay, splendid bridegroom would almost have wished the earth to open and swallow, or a mountain to fall upon and crush him!

Sophia, in dreadful agitation, awaited the arrival of Patterson and Violetta. They came; and their visit filled her with rapture. In the excess of her transport, she would have flown to the arms of young Belfield, who she knew was arrived to demand the fulfilment of her father's promise of a conversation with her; but she restrained her joy: for she thought, as Andrew Belfield's conduct had been vile, his punishment should be severe. Assuming therefore all the composure she was mistress of, she proceeded to the apartment where the parties were assembled :-Sir Benjamin and Lady Dove, the two Belfields, Captain Ironsides, and Mr. Pat :erson.

On her entrance she presented her hand to Andrew, while Robert with modesty yet with firmness, demanded the favour of an explanation of her late sudden and violent displeasure. Sophia then replied he had an undoubted right to make that demand; that she should freely answer it; and then be judged by all present whether or not she was Justified in discarding him. She then accused him of being already married; and proceeded to repeat the whole of Violetta's story; only concealing her name, and place of birth; appealing frequently during her story to Andrew Belfield, and requesting him to judge between her and his vile unprincipled brother. Andrew, during this explanation, suffered tortures. Conscience-struck by the recital of his brother's guilt, he formed his hasty determiriation, which was to refuse the hand of Sophia, and immediately set sail for Portugal, in search of his injured yet still beloved Violetta; and drawing Pat

terson to a corner of the room, told him his resolu→ tion; owned his marriage, and authorized him to break it to the company in any way he thought -proper !

In the mean time Sir Benjamin was enraged beyond all patience at Sophia's account; and Lady Dove would fain have breathed a few words of abuse; but Sir Benjamin silenced her. Captain Ironsides stood lost in thought, nodding his head, and stroking his chin; while Robert remained unruffled. Sophia then appealed to the Captain, and asked what he thought of all this.

"That it's a dd lie! ma'am (replied he bluntly); don't believe a sentence of it; never found my boy out in a lie, don't think I ever shall, Speak my dear Bob, speak out, at once, and say it's all false."

Nay Sir (interrupted Sophia), but the lady is in the house, there is proof positive; I will bring her."

Andrew Belfield begged leave to retire, saying he was ill; and that Mr. Patterson had a discovery to make respecting him, equally surprising as that she had just made of his brother.

Nay-stay, sir, I beseech you stay, but for a moment;" then opening the door of an adjoining apartment, led forth the trembling Violetta. "My wife (exclaimed Andrew Belfield), my poor deserted Violetta! Oh take me to your arms, and let me hide my guilt and shame in your soft bosom." The tender Violetta then rushed into his arms, and wept tears of joy and forgiveness. Sophia now offered her hand to the astonished Robert: he caught her eagerly to his breast, and imprinted a kiss upon her ruby lips.

Andrew Belfield further publicly acknowledged his injustice to his brother, and implored his pardon. Robert eagerly grasped his hand, pronounced