does not lack information, indeed, has read more then most women of double her age. Her father is a man of some science; and his children, who were always with him, acquired many of his tastes and pursuits; certainly,” he added, laughing, "my little wife is a very eccentric. mixture of the grave and gay; to look at her at this moment, you would scarcely believe what I have told you, of her attainments in serious knowledge." Lady Elmsdale was bounding over the flower beds, endeavouring to catch the little dog, which had run away with her richly laced pocket-handkerchief, and looked the very picture of sportive gaiety. They then followed her to the garden, and soon after, the Earl's carriage was announced. CHAPTER VIII. "The heart within thy guileless breast WHEN the Earl quitted his lady, he had entreated her to return immediately to the house ; so calling the little dog, she proceeded up stairs, desiring Reginald to follow her. They found the apartment lighted, and the cheerful blaze of a fire, gave an enlivening aspect to all around. The Countess, who was rather chilled by her exposure to the cold air, seemed glad to seat herself before it, and for a few moments she was quite silent, apparently musing. At length she turned to Reginald, and said quickly, "I think as you are to be so much with us, and in a manner, you know, under my surveillance, I had better at once call you Reginald; for I suppose it would come to that at last, and it is certainly much more agreeable. I do so love the name-Reginald!" she repeated, and indeed it did sound sweetly, for the voice of the Countess was peculiarly harmonious. "I sometimes think," she continued, "that I shall call Lord Elmsdale, Reginald; but, then again it appears almost too familiar in addressing him— not sufficiently dignified. Yet I am perfectly at my ease with my husband; still in my heart, oh, how I do respect him! I believe, Reginald, you fully appreciate the merits of my dear lord; you think with me, do you not, that he is the most perfect creature that ever existed?" He assured her, with warmth, that not only did he love him, deeply and affectionately, but that he admired-he venerated him. "Yes!" she continued, her eyes filling with tears as she spoke; "those who know him as we do, are alone aware how transcendantly good -how truly kind he is. With all his greathis shining qualities, it is at home that he is most to be admired. His goodness to me Reginald, how can I ever repay it?—his indulgence-his tenderness!" And here the pearly drops actually fell from her eyes; and then she exclaimed, hastily brushing away her tears, from cheeks that were glowing bright, from the enthusiasm inspired by the idea, "How honored, how proud I feel, to have been thus chosen by him to be his wife! I am indeed truly sensible of my superior happiness, and must humbly pray that such felicity may not make me forget myself-may not render me presumptuous-vain-glorious—that my heart may not become proud and cold, like many of those with whom I am obliged to associate. God knows it will be my greatest glory to make my dear husband happy!" As Lady Elmsdale uttered these sentiments, so pure-so good, how did her countenance alter! Her childish aspect seemed to vanish; she was at once, the sensitive, the intellectual woman, with every soft and feminine feeling, beaming from her eyes. There certainly never was a countenance that changed so often, and so totally, in its expression. After a short pause, during which she appeared to be still musing on the subject, the Countess spoke. "I really believe Lord Elmsdale is happyis satisfied with me; and though he does seem anxious that I should alter in some respects, too well I am convinced, that he would much rather I remained even as I am, with all my imperfections, than be like a heartless woman of the |