short, it is that of a lively young man who has had no experience of suffering — who could compassionate those that did suffer, if his love of enjoyment did not unfortunately lead him from the contemplation of objects, that might cast a shade over the brightness he covets. But at this moment, its expression was affected by superinduced circumstances.

There was a mingling of sorrow and happiness, of regret and exultation, vividly depicted on his face; not one of these sensations, however, was profound; his sorrow wore the characteristics of vexation; his happiness, of gaiety; his regret, of peevishness; and his exultation, of mirth. It is curious to observe the many different shades which the same passions exhibit, according to the calibre of the mind which they are agitating. Hartley was in that artificial state into which man is thrown by the operation of external causes. Our silence had continued some time, before he seem

ed conscious of it. He terminated it

abruptly.

"Sir William Rosstrevor," he said, suddenly wheeling to the front of me, and remaining there so as to impede my farther progress" although it is unfortunately true that, until last night, we were personally strangers, will you permit me to presume on our affinity, and to request from you, as from my kinsman, an act of friendship ?”

"What one man of honour may ask of another, you may unhesitatingly require of me," I replied, glad that he had avoided the infliction of an apologetic introduction, and had thus plunged in medias res.

He returned to my side, and passing his arm through mine, hurried me on. There was another pause, but it evidently resulted from the strife in his mind between hesitation and trust.

"There are feelings" he began "there are situations into which a

man may be plunged by positive thoughtlessness, but which entail on him all the embarrassments incurred by wrong principles. My father Sir -my mother William you saw them last night" he broke off the sentence, evidently unable to clothe the sentiments of his mind in adequate language.

Yes," I returned, endeavouring to relieve him, "I enjoyed then the pleasure of seeing, for the first time, relations whose letters had excited the most delightful anticipations of kindness and affection. It is little to say, that my reception inflicted no disappointment; it exceeded all that hope had dared to picture. It is impossible not to suffer the heart to outrun the reason in contemplating the venerable benignity of Mr. Aubertin's countenance and manner! →→ And how beautifully is all that is attractive in him, softened into something even more touchingly gentle and tender in his well-associated partner! You are

happy in your paternal friends, Mr. Aubertin; all that is left to me of mine, is pride in their memory." This is a chord whose tone is full of not unpleasing melancholy. I believe, my hand for a moment was passed over my brows.

"Yes yes you are right- they are excellent-most excellent parents,' he replied in a hurried tone. "The happiness of me, their only child, has been, and is, the first object of their desires; where I am concerned, they seem to get out of themselves, and to live in my existence. I am persuaded they would cheerfully make any sacrifices to secure my felicity that is to say, any sacrifices which do not involve their principles; ;- you will find them on trial what shall I denominate them? — ULTRA-RELIGIONISTS."

"I have no possible objection to the term," replied I coldly, "except that our protestant church, in obedience to the injunctions of the sacred Founder of

Christianity, commands its disciples to do their utmost in the service of God, and then, abjuring all idea of supererogatory works, to confess themselves but unprofitable servants."

“If I have unwittingly cast the slightest imputation on opinions which you entertain, I pray you pardon me,” said he, with a smile of ineffable condescension."I meant not the shadow of an insinuation against the sincerity of my father and mother; it is my single object to make you comprehend the difficulties. of my present situation; and to effect this I am obliged to describe things and persons, not according to their relation to me, but as they really are. If you have patience enough to listen to a sketch of my circumstances, which no vanity could believe interesting to a stranger, you will perhaps favour me with your advice, and, in some sort, with your assistance."

"I readily promise you as much pa