dern languages, now so necessary to complete a useful education. Edward was two years older than Reginald, his sister Alice six months senior to our hero; but as girls generally advance in early life beyond the other sex, it seemed as if there existed a still greater disparity in their ages. She was of a quiet quiet a thoughtful disposition; mild, gentle, and enduring; ever the little nursethe protectress as well as companion of the beautiful babe, although her stature was more diminutive than his own, and her looks, had it not been for a degree of anxious tenderness which mingled in their expression, were almost as childish. It was a pretty sight to watch their movements; and the soft, attaching nature of a woman's heart, might be traced even in the baby affection which evinced itself in every action of the little Alice, towards her fondly loved companion. It seemed as if self never once entered her imagination; his pleasure was her sole object— his approval her dearest delight; her attachment had something in it of idolatry. And thus they continued to grow up together, until from the child, Alice became the devoted, loving woman. And Reginald?-was he equally fervent in his affection ? His feelings we can scarcely define. He had been so accustomed to indulgence-to consideration, ever since he had opened his eyes in this existence, that although he loved his kind young friend most warmly- although he felt that she was necessary to his happiness, being ever so ready to contribute to it; still, perhaps, her tender attentions had been so unremitting, that they were deemed by him almost as a matter of course. Indeed, such a rich torrent of gratification ever flowed upon him, from every side, that the devotion of his little companion, though fondly appreciated, did not make so strong an impression on this favoured child, who was smiled upon by all around. As Alice advanced in years, she became a truly amiable, feminine creature. Warm and enthusiastic in her feelings, but with a degree of diffidence in her own attractions, which kept her ever in the back ground. She had always looked on Reginald in the light of a being of a superior order.-As for herself, she was only worthy of being his devoted slave. Poor girl! as years rolled on, and her sentiments became more matured, it terrified her when she began to think, how absorbing were the feelings she experienced towards him. It mattered not then, for they were together; she Icould be to him what she ever had been-his friend-his companion, one who had become necessary to his comfort and happiness; but she knew that the time would arrive when they must part; that the hints which Lord Elmsdale had always given, of undertaking the regulation of Reginald's career in life, would lead to a separation; and this idea made the pale roses in her cheek, fade to a still fainter hue. CHAPTER II. "Leave us not, leave us not! Say not adieu! Have we not been to thee Tender and true? Leave us not, leave us not! Can thy heart roam? Wilt not thou pine to hear Voices from home?" It was a brilliant morning in early spring. Reginald had wandered into the pretty garden, by which the steward's picturesque abode was surrounded. He had passed a sleepless night; for only on the previous evening were Lord Elmsdale's plans communicated to him, and even |