CHAPTER VI.

"He was not

In costly raiment clad, nor on his brow
The symbol of a princely lineage wore ;

Yet in his mien

Command sat throned serene, and if he smil'd,
A kingly condescension graced his lips."

AMONG the minor evils attendant on reduced circumstances, it may seem trifling to mention (nevertheless it is by no means an inconsiderable cause of suffering and chagrin) the barrier which is then removed. between females of refinement and the world at large. This may not be so acutely felt in the country, where retirement can be gene

rally secured; and if not, there is a deference paid to misfortune, even by the most rustic, which soothes, rather than irritates, the sufferer. But in London, or other large towns, it is very different. Crowds may daily pass unnoticed, and unnoticing; but the young female, who, with timid steps, and downcast eyes, finds herself in the novel position of walking unprotected amidst a throng, becomes at once an object of rude and inquisitive regard,-which, adding to her embarrassment and fear, gives her a sense of desolation, though surrounded by her fellow-creatures, loneliness would fail to inflict.

Poor Evelyn Cecil, with a mind nerved to endurance, by principles of religion as well as affection, though suffering all which the rude gaze of strangers must impose on shrinking delicacy, hid even from Herbert her aversion to walk alone, or, at least accompanied only by her little brother and sisters. However,

it had been occasionally necessary that she should visit the solicitor, who was now doing his utmost to disentangle the confusion of his client's affairs, and also offering as much solace as lay in his power to the wretched family. With this valuable friend, Herbert and his sister were in constant communication. From him they gained tidings of their beloved father, though at present kept in ignorance of his place of refuge; and in return they sent that information of themselves and their proceedings, which was all the alleviation the unhappy parent experienced to his misery.

With cares and occupations for every hour of their time, it was seldom that Herbert and Evelyn could leave the house together; unless Mrs. Cecil slept during the day, which a restless night often rendered necessary, they never quitted her at the same time; and as the household duties which devolved on Evelyn, obliged her frequent absence, it was on Herbert

that the care of soothing and amusing his mo

ther's mind chiefly rested.

How beautifully

did his character display itself in passing through this ordeal! one of such peculiar trial to a youth of his age. His best and brightest hopes were all blighted by the misfortunes of his family; all the brilliant expectations of his youth had faded away! But did he repine? No; though with agony at his heart, from the knowledge of the misery endured by those he so fondly loved, he thought not of the shipwreck his own fortunes had sustained; but with the most devoted tenderness-with a softness and patience of manner, strongly contrasting with the manly tenour and general bearing of his character, he took upon himself the sad task of watching sedulously by the couch of his suffering mother, while occupying and soothing her mind with the sweet hopes that religion permitted him to hold out. But not only did the great qualities and virtues

of Herbert shine in the sick room; with judgment far surpassing his years, and the light and brilliant nature of his education, he laboured with his father's man of business to bring their affairs into some train for amelioration ; and whilst his powerful abilities and clear understanding surprised to the utmost degree the sensible lawyer, the feeling and gentlemanly conduct of the young Cecil inspired him with such deep interest, as made him redouble his active endeavours for the father.

One morning it was essential that Herbert should be in Berner's Street, where this excellent friend resided, to explain some memoranda of his father's, which Mr. Disney had forwarded to him. On this occasion, there appeared such an increase of depression on Mrs. Cecil's spirits, when he mentioned he must leave her, and the book he was reading aloud, that tears coursed each other down her pallid cheeks, with all that abandon of grief, which the reduced in