"What think you of this Dolphy? do you imagine that after this conversation I ever more repeated my inquiries? No: I would disdain to solicit a confi dence I was thought unworthy of. All that I suspect is, that the father of this child is no less than this very mysterious and dangerous character, this young Antonia; and the mother".

"For heaven's sake my dear uncle, whom then do you suspect the mother to be?" cried Adolphus, with a countenance which too plainly evinced the disorder of his mind.

To which Sir Mildred replied,—

"There Theodora has left us in utter darkness and impenetrable mystery. You might as well attempt to explore the Cretan labyrinth as to find out that she probably does not exist; or if existing, Theodora is ashamed of owning that she has any connexion with her; and that is the only probable conclusion I can make of the business. And now my dear boy, let us immediately dismiss this painful subject, in which your feelings have sustained an extraordinary trial. At all events wait with patience the issue of that unerring Providence, which will in due time reveal all that it is necessary for us to know: and if never revealed, it is much better for us not to know. And this is the only remedy you can adopt on the present occasion. In the mean time, be on good terms if you can with that little Circe, Theodora: and as to the bantling, let her do what she likes with it: she may one day relent and tell us all about it: she is rich enough you know to provide for that and half a dozen more if they should be palmed upon her! for with all her little foibles, she is still the most generous-hearted girl in

1 :.

existence. What do you think were the contents of the pacquet which she left the other morning in my hands. Judge then my surprise on perusing the following words :

'Use the inclosed at your discretion and you will infinitely oblige me. I am sorry to hear of Frederic's misfortune, because he has occasioned you some involvements by his excessive folly. At all events, make me your banker on this occasion.

In this note was a draft for a thousand pounds Dolphy; and I have actually sent it to Fred, because I know that Theodora intended it for him though she did not like to say so. This will relieve him it is to be hoped till he can make some arrangement in his affairs."

Adolphus, at this fresh proof of the exalted nobleness and goodness in the disposition of Theodora which raised her to a standard of perfection beyond which it was almost impossible to go, felt sensations hard to be defined, as they kept continually changing from one extreme, to the other, and staggered all belief of her infidelity with Antonia; in the next moment however they were less favorable, and he beheld her conduct in a double light, reflecting a mirror only of deceptive arts; and he exclaimed in the presence of his uncle, who perceived, the conflicts which were passing in his agitated mind, in a da

iOh! Theodora, lovely and beloved Theodora ! why have you perverted such angelic virtues? Why, why

was I not permitted to bend to that shrine without a knowledge of thy indiscretion, which I would so fondly, so willingly disbelieve, but for appearances so mysterious, so doubtful"

"But which have never yet been confirmed," cried Sir Mildred, "therefore, our doubts are traitors, that make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt."

"But surely my dear uncle there is no necessity of making lady Theodora your banker when my purse' is ever open for your service. There is yet the property of the excellent Camilla Grandison remaining untouched; except that I have reserved the seat in Wales for a particular purpose, in which I'should not like to alter my intentions,"

"And of which you have an undoubted right to dispose in what manner you think proper," returned Sir Mildred, "it is considerable to those who are rich enough to purchase it, and will possess superior advantages without having the slightest incumbrance whatsoever."

"I rejoice to hear it my dear uncle," cried Adolphus," although these considerations are of no moment to me, as it will never have a purchaser: in fact, I am going to give it away."

'Sir Mildred looked astonished and confounded; and he exclaimed,

"Give the estate in Wales away that was once Camilla Grandison's! No, Dolphy, you will not do any such thing, I think I know you better !"

Adolphus smiled, while he answered,

"I think my dear uncle you ought to know me better than to imagine that I should ever consent to enjoy the whole of Miss Grandison's property without

bestowing some part of it on those who would have been her heirs had not her high sense of the little ser. vices I once rendered her induced her to alter the balance in my favor. You well know that Edmund would have been the heir to all the property of which she died possessed; and think you I would ever behold him destitute while by such means I had become enriched? No, uncle: perish so mercenary a thought. If fortune is blindfolded when she bestows her favors, let us gently remove the bandage from her eyes and shew her those worthy and inestimable objects who have an equal claim to her smiles, and whom only her caprice had neglected. The estate in Wales shall become the property of Edmund Austincourt without a flaw in the indictment if you please uncle."

Astonishment, for a moment, sat upon the countenance of Sir Mildred, which presently yielded to a smile, rapturous and genial as the rays of a bright sunbeam; while he burst forth with the following exclamation,

"Excellent boy! generous and exalted youth! And can you indeed resign the one half of your property for the welfare of your cousin Edmund without one selfish consideration of your being impoverished by so liberal a gift! In what words can I acknowledge your kindness, in what language can I record your praise!"

To which Adolphus replied,

"Dear Uncle, say no more, I beseech you, on this subject. I am satisfied with having made those I love happy; and if any praise be due for that, it is recorded in my own heart, from the consciousness of the purity and the integrity of my intentions."

The eyes of the venerable uncle as he directed them

towards the amiable countenance of his nephew were filled with tears very different to those produced by anguish or suffering, they were tears of gratitude to heaven, which had rewarded the merits of an exemplary son through the medium of as exemplary nephew.

The dinner bell having twice rung to remind them that it was time to make their appearance to their guests, Sir Mildred, leaning on the arm of Adolphus, entered the saloon, and once more found himself in his old elbow chair at the head of his table.

CHAPTER LX.

"A thousand congratulations dear Sir Mildred on your recovery" was eagerly pronounced both by Miss Villeroy and Miss Aubrey on his entrance to the saloon, who smilingly presented a hand to each of these fair creatures; while he jocously uttered," But pray, have I the honor of addressing Miss Aubrey, for positively I only heard the voice of Rebecca Mantle."

"Ah! sir, in both these characters I am greatly your debtor; and in both, permit me to offer you a return of my most sincere acknowledgments," exclaimed Miss Aubrey with a blush which added new charms to a set of features so perfectly lovely, that Sir Mildred continued to gaze on her long after she had spoken to