look like a congregation of large currant bushes; and in the state he saw them, they resembled nothing so much as gardens full of skeletons.

"Geneva is very interesting, in a historical point of view, at least," said Mr. Wilmot, in answer to Charles's abuse of that city, which he had not spared; "not from its having furnished the actors or the scene of any great political event, but its name is connected with so many, and it so long maintained its independence, in the midst of powerful and ambitious neighbours, that we feel a kind of respect for it on that account."

"That is true, certainly," answered Charles; "but one thing I have never been able to account for, and that is, how, for so many ages, Geneva has been the resort, or, if I may so call it, the vortex of learned men, where many of them have sought a kind of voluntary exile."

Mr. Wilmot was about to answer, when a servant brought him a sealed packet."How

B 4

"How did this come?" demanded he; "I thought the post was come in ?"

"It was by an express, sir," answered the man, "who says he had an extra franc league to make haste."

Mr. Wilmot opened the packet, and read. The first letter that it contained made his cheek turn deadly pale, as he perused its contents; and getting up, he rang the bell violently.-" Charles," said he, "I must leave you for a few days. I must go to Paris immediately."

"I hope nothing distressing has happened," said Charles with interest, for Mr. Wilmot's kindness had bound him strongly to his heart.

"Yes, indeed," answered his friend, "something most distressing; but for God's sake tell the man to get me a carriage from the remise, and have horses put to it, while I read this other letter." "Oh, you will take my carriage, of course," replied Mr. Melville. "I will go with you. I cannot think of your tra

velling

velling by yourself in such a state of

mind."

"Do not think of it, Charles-do not think of it," said the other; " you have broken the spell once, and indeed you ought not to go back again." He now opened the other letter, and, after reading a few lines, he clasped his hands together -"Thank God!" he ejaculated fervently -"thank God! I could scarcely have borne that stroke. It is not so bad as I thought," he continued to Charles. "But I must go, nevertheless. Will Will you want the carriage?"

"Not in the least," replied Charles, " I can assure you; and since you think I had better not go with you, I will run about this part of the country in your absence, and shall have seen all the sights by the time you come back."

“I shall soon return," answered his companion;" for most likely I shall not stay above two days in Paris at the farthest.

B5

thest. You know I am quick in my

movements."

In the space of an hour Mr. Wilmot was ready to depart, and proceeded on his journey towards Paris; while Charles, after thinking over the circumstances in a variety of ways, to ascertain what could be the occasion of his sudden departure, gave it up in despair. If it had been to England he had proposed to go, a thousand pretty theories might have been raised, for there, of course, he had many friends and relations; but in Paris, where he seemed to have been interested in no one, what could be his urgent business there? Could it be any way connected with the baroness? That was the only thing he could think of; but in what way it could be so, he was unable to divine; and so he gave that up too, and set off to make a tour round the lake, to Lausanne and Chillon.

For the first few hours after Mr. Wilmot was gone, Charles Melville did not perceive

perceive much difference from his absence; but he soon began to feel a blank that he could not fill up, and would often pull out his watch, and count the time. Nor did he readily get accustomed to the want of his society. He missed him far more than he had imagined that he would, without being well able to tell why. It could scarcely be for his conversation, for though when he did speak, in addition to the deep information and strong thought he displayed, there was an elegance in his language, and an interest attached to his manner, that enchained every power of attention; yet it was seldom that he so far overcame the gloom that hung over him, as to address any one, without first being spoken to. But the truth was, there was always something new about Mr. Wilmot; whatever he said or did was in some degree different from any thing Charles had been accustomed to; it was not commonplace; and in addition to the sincere feelings of attachment which he had towards him,