what reconciled him to being absent from her; and it was thus that each of the suffering family sought to spare the mother some trial, while all endeavored by tender care and watchfulness to alleviate the poignant grief which bent their unfortunate parent's spirit to the earth.

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 generally 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 town's, 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 con

fusion 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 mother'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 tenor 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 labored 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 endeavors 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 health and happiness too often feel for comparatively trivial causes. He therefore sought Evelyn, though perhaps even more averse than herself to her walking farther than a retired path in the Park near them, when unprotected by himself; and requested her to take Edwin, and proceed to Mr. Disney, she being as well able as himself to explain all the details required, relative to the affair in question.

The cause was too urgent for her to hesitate; and Herbert again rejoined his mother, who felt almost a sensation of joy at finding she could have him by her side the whole of the morning. Evelyn, wrapped in the folds of a large cloak, and with her beautiful radiant countenance shaded by a thick veil, set out on her expedition, with the little Edwin, too proud, and too happy, to be her cavalier on the occasion.

After having fulfilled her mission, they were returning at a quick pace, and had nearly reached home, when Evelyn found she had lost her watch, now the only time-piece of the family; for with this exception, all the valuables of Mrs. Cecil and her children had been resigned to the creditors. It had been the gift of Julian, her dear and valued cousin. Every time she looked at it, it brought to her remembrance the kind smile and kind words with which it had been given to her. She recollected, too, the delight with which she had receix

ed it; and often, when most miserable, had she taken the glittering token from her bosom, and pressed it to her lips, as if by that act she approached herself nearer to the kind and affectionate cousin whose indulgence had bestowed it upon her. Now that she fancied it was gone for ever, her agony was great; and, though despairing of recovering it, she turned with her brother, for the purpose of seeking for it. In her anxiety the veil had been thrown back; and with a flushed and eager countenance she commenced the search, which, with much reason, she feared, must prove hopeless. There was one circumstance connected with her loss, which rendered it unnecessary to retrace her steps beyond a certain point; they both recollected that when half-way through the Park, she had taken out her watch to compare it with the clock at the Knightsbridge barracks, which was then striking the hour. As they approached this spot without having recovered the lost treasure, her hopes became more depressed, and with tears in her eyes, which almost impeded their sight as she glanced quickly and anxiously around her, she reached the very place, beyond which her vain search would be even worse than fruitless. So intent had she been in her scrutiny of every step they were taking, that she did not observe a tall man in a sort of military undress, yet with a dignity and grace in his appearance which spoke more of courts than camps, who was standing in the path where they now halted; nor did she witness the looks of curiosity and admiration directed to herself and her little companion, who with his cheeks rosy from exercise and excitement, and with the bright golden curls which half shaded his laughing blue eyes, was the very personification of the "Paphian boy."

"Edwin, it is indeed gone!" Evelyn exclaimed sadly, just as the gentleman, stepping forward, presented to her delighted gaze the lost watch, asking if she had dropped it. Quick and energetic in all her movements, her first impulse was to seize it cagerly, and press it to