spired during this tête-à-tête, as the results will appear as we proceed in our story; however, it was observed that the clergyman conducted his visitor to the door, on his departure, with greater ceremony and profounder bows than he usually manifested; and that he returned to his study with a flushed though pleased countenance, remaining particularly thoughtful during the rest of the day. VOL. I. L CHAPTER XIII. "If thine open hand hath relieved distress- ON Herbert's return home, he found Evelyn still in a deep sweet sleep; and his mother, with some of her former solicitude, listening to her soft breathing. Her slumber still continued, and when she at last awoke, she was not only considerably refreshed, but had gained strength of mind and composure. The next day dawned more brightly upon the distressed family. A letter arrived from France which they had dreaded to receive; but their father, in answer to the one which had announced the death of the little girl, had so controlled his pen, that he spoke of the event with a degree of calmness and resignation which greatly comforted them. He thanked his fondly loved children in the warmest terms, for their devoted kindness to his babe, and for all their unremitting attention to their mother. He spoke soothingly of himself, telling them of his improved health, and the solace he had experienced in the society of the excellent Monsieur Liot; and concluded by saying, that he was becoming quite rich by the profitable labours of his pen. In short the letter was a balm to their wounded feelings. Whilst they were still musing over these satisfactory communications, another letter was delivered to them. It was in an unknown hand, and addressed to Herbert by the name, which, in compliance with his father's wishes, he had adopted. He opened it hastily, with curiosity, and read as follows: "ALTHOUGH my proffered services have been once refused, I am not to be repulsed. I feel too deep and heartfelt an interest in the welfare of your family to allow you to reject the assistance of a friend, who is so willing and able to serve you. I have discovered your true name; and you may be assured, with that knowledge, it is far from my intention to offer any insult to the children of Captain Cecil. In early life, he once received from me the greatest of benefits. This is not mentioned as a vain boast; but to engage that confidence of his family, without which my best wishes must prove nugatory and I now offer that protection and support which I feel certain, if he be indeed the Herbert Cecil, the friend of my early youth, he would accept : with pleasure. I have procured the promise of a nomination to the Charterhouse School. It is my most ardent wish that Edwin should benefit by it. I love the boy, and am anxious that the good and honourable feelings which are united in him, should find a favourable sphere for their developement. I inclose a hundred pounds for the expenses of the necessary preparations for his removal. I leave town to-morrow; but in a fortnight or three weeks, I trust to be able to present Captain Cecil's permission for the steps I have taken; and the assurance that I may consider henceforth the fine little fellow as the child of my adoption. For the present I sign no name. I have also my reasons for wishing to remain incognito." Amazement and joy were visible upon the countenance of Herbert when he placed the letter in the hands of Evelyn who, with much |