daughters nearest to the hearts of Major and Mrs. Villaret. They were, indeed, an amiable sisterhood, and above the casual commendation of the pen that would now attempt to delineate their sorrows and their joys. Although we may have visited what was once the place that knew them,' we have to regret with others that it knows them now no more; and that their interesting story should be related by one, who heard it, it is true, with mournful pleasure, and was willing, however feebly, to endeavour to snatch it from the ravages of time; but who is conscious, that to pourtray it as it deserves, would demand powers much superior to any to which he can prefer a claim. Nevertheless-and he would commit his apology to the poet : "When with swift course, from this ungenial clime, If, on the breeze that fills their steady sails, Our song a tale of sacred woe may tell, And wake some chord where memory loves to dwell.” More advanced in years, and probably attributable to this in some degree, her mind having thence had greater room to expand, more intimately conversant with Divine things than her sisters, Emily was the favourite of this pious couple. From her they experienced, though it is perhaps but just to add, not more than from her sisters, every attention that an affectionate child can bestow on a tender parent; and they seemed to feel in her, as indeed there were few acquainted with her who did not, a peculiar interest. Her eye was quick; and they generally found their wishes anticipated by a watchfulness they could fully appreciate. In her conversation,' as becometh the gospel of Christ,' she was an humble and devoted disciple of the Redeemer; and it was her unremitted aim to walk blameless in all the ordinances of her God,' and to adorn herself with the beauties of holiness.' Equable in her deportment, her conduct was marked by no starts of austerity, nor yet by any relaxation of duty, Uniform in its tenour, as the result of deliberate conviction, and an unalterable determination to obey God rather than 6 men,' it was maintained with a becoming firmness. But, if she was not borne along by every change of sentiment, like the flower flung into the running stream;' she yet knew how to temper the belief that she was right, with the deep persua sion of liability to error, and to blend with decision the yielding of a 'meek and lowly heart.' It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that Major and Mrs. Villaret should consider such a companion a valuable acquisition to their little circle. Her piety, and that affection, which enhanced the attentions years might justly have demanded, but which age is often unwilling to exact, not only rencered her extremely dear to them, but made them sensible of a blank in her absence, which none but Emily could fill. That they should desire her society, consequently, was only the natural result of the tenderness with which they regarded her. Emily's visits, therefore, were always anticipated by them with peculiar pleasure; and though she by no means withdrew their love from her sisters, the very thought of, which would have embittered all her enjoyment, it was observable, that she was oftener detained with them beyond the intended period of return to the paternal roof. CHAP. VII. "These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, Thus wondrous fair-Thyself how wondrous then! In these thy lowest works; yet these declare ་ AT the cottage of Major Villaret, Alphonzo was a frequent visitor. Pleased with the unassuming narratives of the venerable soldier, and with his tales of battles lost and won,' he insensibly became much attached to him; and, as inclination led, now and then rode over from the castle to spend a leisure hour with him and Mrs. Villaret. It was on one of these occasions that he was first introduced to Emily. We say introduced; because, although they had known |