Naples to London so long, as, had he arrived in London three weeks sooner, which he might easily have done had he travelled with even ordinary quickness, both lady Jane and Miss Stanhope would have been within the scope of his inquiries.

Occupied with these thoughts, he wandered towards the Admiralty, the sight of which put him in mind of the letter he had left there for lieutenant Travers, asking, in the warmest terms, how he could serve, in any way, the family of doctor Wilson; and he turned in to ask if that young officer had ever returned, when he was gratified by being informed that he had, and that the letter had been immediately given to him.

Lord Burton, thinking that in all probability he had called upon him, returned to his own house, to inquire if that had been the case; but amongst the several cards that were presented to him, there was none bearing the name of Travers,

and

and here again he found himself as much at a loss as ever..

S

Frederic's invitation to the baron de

to remain with him during his stay in England, had been given and accepted with equal frankness. The society of each was most agreeable to the other, and they had no point of disagreement.

Three or four mornings after his arrival, amongst the letters he received by post, were two which excited in his bosom a good deal of interest, though of a very different description. The one was from his sister Mary, informing him of all that had happened to herself and Charles in Greece, and telling him that they had arrived as far as Paris, in their way to England. The other bore the post-mark of Newcastle; it was written in very pure Italian, and conveyed a request that he would proceed instantly to that town, where he would meet with those (it said), who would inform him farther; ending with an assurance that his whole happiness.

4

in life depended upon his following the desire it contained. It had no signature, and on such slender information, it may be supposed, lord Burton was not very much inclined to undertake so long a journey. It had so happened that he could call to mind no one in any way connected with Newcastle, except the old philosopher, to whom he had been kind in Paris, and who was a native of that place.

While he was engaged in considering this strange epistle, and trying to recollect the hand, with which he was quite unacquainted, he was joined by the baron de S, who shewed him a letter exactly similar; and on being asked if he knew the writing, replied-“ Too well-a great deal too well." But Frederic could bring him to no farther explanation, though he expressed his astonishment that a like request had been made to them both, saying he could not conceive how any one was interested but himself; but at the same

time he caught eagerly at the idea of lord Burton accompanying him; and on per ceiving his reluctance, pressed him so earnestly on the subject, that he could not refuse to go, though he had several reasons for wishing to remain in town, at least for a few days.

In the mean time the idea of Miss Stanhope floated before Frederic's imagination, broke his rest, and destroyed his peace; and he endeavoured to banish it from his mind in vain. Often would he ask himself" What was the principle that gave our ancient philosophers a greater command of mind than we have? Was it an intellect naturally more powerful? Was it the early inculcated exertion of their reason, which acquired strength in that particular, by long application to one purpose? or did they really control the emotions of their minds, and the feelings of their hearts? or was it only that they prevented the external expression of what they felt within themselves as poignantly

poignantly as we do? If it was this last, their conduct was hypocrisy, and not virtue; vanity, and not wisdom. But if it was the former, how enviable was that self-government which they possessed!"

But lord Burton could not gain that command of himself which he envied, and in spite of all he could do, his mind would still revert to his own peculiar circumstances; and the thought of Louisa Stanhope would return, with that cold, sickening sensation which nothing but the apprehension of losing a beloved object can produce." Surely, surely," he would say, "I am placed in the most unfortunate of situations-attached to her without the possibility of withdrawing my affection, or the opportunity of gaining hers in return. Why did Nature give me feelings so intense? Why did she not form me as cold as the generality of mankind, and not curse me with the capability of keen enjoyment, when she denies me the prospect of happiness ?" and then he would

blame