fallen from Lushee, yet their import left an uncomfortable impression on her mind, and she wished more than once that she had remained with Frances in the library. The idea of Rose, and the misery of her family, again recurred to her; and she determined to visit their cottage, though with faint hopes of finding its inmates more at peace than she had left them.

With this intention, instead of following the party back to the library, Emily equipped herself for her walk; and hastening through the garden, and across the chase, soon reached the objects of her anxiety. Her worst fears were but confirmed by what she learnt from the Delvins; Rose was not at home; but her wretched parents represented her as remaining still the same unmoved and hard creature that she had shown herself since the first of this miserable affair; and the old couple assured Lady Emily that it required their utmost forbearance, and the strongest recollection that she was their child, to withhold them from turning her into the

street.

Their agony of tears, when speaking of the

rebellious and ungrateful Rose, was more than Emily could bear; and taking the old woman's hand and pressing it kindly, she rushed from their cottage little less agitated than themselves. "Tell Rose," she said as she left them, "tell Rose, I desire her to come to me at the hall to-morrow morning at ten o'clock: I must see her."

With a slow and pensive step, and a heavy heart, Lady Emily trod her way home. For the heart of Emily was sensibly alive to the joys or the sorrows of humanity; the tenderness of her nature, unseared and uncontaminated by the world, led her readily to participate in the weal, or to sympathise in the woe of her fellow creatures; and she could become the ministering angel, or the blithe companion, as occasion demanded :-ever prompt to dispense comfort or promote happiness in others, herself the happiest, in proportion as she was the means of diffusing contentment around her.

As she ascended the terrace-steps, she observed General Montgomery in close conversation with Mr. Aldget; and her own anxiety

VOL. I.

led her to conclude they were occupied about the release of young Philips from prison. Her uncle's agents had left the Hall already two days, and their business had been completed; what, therefore, had brought Mr. Aldget back? and the subject of their conversation was one of interest, by the earnestness of their manner.

While doubtful whether to approach, the General perceived her at a distance; and calling to her in his fondest tone, he said, "Emily, dearest Emily, come hither; I have something to tell you which will give you pleasure. Lady Emily bounded forward as he spoke, and her heart leapt with as quick a motion almost, as her steps flew towards him.

"What! dearest uncle! what? Oh, tell

me."

"Why, dearest, Mr. Carlton has caused bail to be put in for Ambrose Philips, and he is liberated. Mr. Aldget saw him set at liberty early this morning; and Mr. Carlton, he assures us, will take no farther notice of the matter, and will not appear against him. There, Emily, are you not happy ?"

"Yes, dearest uncle," flinging herself into his arms and kissing his cheek. "Oh! yes, I am truly happy-now all will be well, and Rose must marry directly. I will go-"

Stop! dear Emily; surely you will inquire for Mr. Carlton, who has behaved so liberally, so nobly, on this occasion ?"

"Oh, surely,” replied Lady Emily, "I feel so very grateful to Mr. Carlton for what he has done. I hope, Mr. Aldget, that Mr. Carlton does not continue in any danger, or to suffer much."

"I thank you, my Lady; I trust I may say that he is out of danger, but he is still suffering from this sad affair; and my friend Drench, who has attended him, says it will be a long time before he is quite himself—that he must take great care; indeed, Lady Emily, it is a noble instance of greatness of mind, his releasing that fellow; for as I sat by his bedside, receiving his orders to that effect, I saw what pain he suffered; and Surgeon Drench came in at the moment, and said, 'You must not exert yourself, or I cannot answer for the consequence, Mr. Carlton;'-and

Mr. Carlton was all in an agitation, Lady Emily, and said to me, Mr. Aldget,' no! he called me Aldget-'Aldget,' says he,' this poor fellow must not remain in prison; and if any difficulties occur, remember you have my orders to offer bail to any amount.' Could there be more generosity, ma'am, than this?" continued the loquacious attorney: but Lady Emily listened to his harangue with impatience, for her thoughts were elsewhere, and her opinion of the Honourable Mr. Carlton's motives, perhaps, a little at variance with the impression which his humble servant and lawyer intended to convey.

Meanwhile, she was endeavouring to retreat from the subject, and to avoid all reply to it, when General Montgomery said, "Well, Emily, you are very happy, I see, at this information : where are you going now?" Emily stopped, and was hesitating. "Oh! I know where you would go, dearest ; but you must not over-exert and fatigue yourself. I will send word to the Delvins. You already look pale and harassed, and remember to-morrow is the ball, and I cannot