so soon as the following day, he was to accompany his patron to London.

This intelligence had filled his heart with varied emotions. There was much of joy amongst these sensations; but still, as ever in the cup of life, joy and sorrow were very equally blended.

Fervently as he had longed to emerge from his present retirement, to taste the varied delights of a world, which at a distance he contemplated with wonder and admiration; still now the ardently desired moment had arrived, and he was about to leave the father whom he loved with veneration, as well as affection-the happy home in which he had been nurtured with such kindness-his young companionshe became sensible of the hazard that threatened his future happiness.

And of Alice, the sweet partner of his youthful days, he thought with a saddened, softened feeling, which presented her image to his imagination, in a manner more tender than it had

ever before appeared to him. With his mind absorbed by these reflections, he was looking round with a sorrowful heart, upon objects to which he must so soon say farewell, when suddenly his eye fell on the graceful outline of a kneeling figure-the slender form of his gentle cousin, bending over a bed of violets, searching within its leaves for their hidden treasures. Reginald paused for a moment, and gazed upon the fair girl. He well knew how she was employed; she was seeking the offering which she so constantly presented to him every morning, when they met at breakfast. He felt very sad. This was the last time, for many a day, that she would be employed in this sweet service for him.

"I wonder if she knows I am to go so soon," he thought; "should the news have reached her, her regret will surely equal mine."

With a noiseless step he approached, and Alice started on feeling two hands encircling

her slender waist; but it seemed as if by instinct she recognized the privileged transgressor, for she did not turn to look at him; she appeared to busy herself more assiduously in seeking for the flowers.

"Alice-dear Alice!" exclaimed the youth, "why do you not speak to me?" and he gently raised her from the ground.

But she still was silent, and averted her head; and when Reginald at length looked into her face, he saw that it was deadly pale, and that her eyes were red with weeping. He well knew the cause of her grief, and pressed her affectionately towards him. His over-charged feelings made his own tears ready to flow, but he checked this demonstration of weakness.

"Alice," he said, "this is very foolish; you ought to rejoice with me that I am going!"

"Rejoice!" she exclaimed, in a tone of the deepest sadness.

"Yes," he continued; "though the separa

tion is a painful struggle; yet you should consider, dear girl, what an advantage it will be to

me-what a career is open to my view! You know, Alice, that I have been discontented and restless lately. I have an ambitious spirit; my night and day dream has, for some time, dwelt on the idea, that by my own exertions, I might have it in my power to raise myself, to be the architect of my own advancement; and now what a commencement is before me! To have the opportunity of beginning life under such fortunate auspices! Do you not remember, Alice, when your dear mother used to tell us of the delights of Italy, when she described its stores of rich science, the ardent longings with which she inspired me, to visit that region of beauty and learning? And now the opportunity has occurred. My wishes are about to be realized; and when I am treading that classic ground, how will her every word be remembered! Each association will be doubly inte

VOL. I.

C

resting, from the recollection of having learnt to appreciate the works of genius and taste, from her refined mind, and the instructions she bestowed upon my youth; and on my return to you, my Alice, and when again I sit with you, under this our favourite tree,"—and as he spoke he gently led her to the rustic bench, which their own hands had helped to construct, and placing himself by her side, continued-" I shall then be no longer the frivolous boy; my conversation merely connected with the tame details of home pursuits. Only imagine how delightful it will be, to discourse of countries and kingdoms-of courts and society! I shall then indeed be worth listening to, Alice."

Alice only sighed, and shook her head.

"It is selfish, no doubt, in me, Reginald, to regret your departure; but selfishness is, I fear, more or less the besetting sin of every heart. And yet I fancied, as far as you were concerned, I could not accuse myself of the feeling. I still