stroke against the tree, when he assured Sybil his duty should be done.

This new principle was as vigorous—even more vigorous-than the old one. It left him no rest. But there was not in it the frank heartiness of other days. He often carried a weary mind in his active body. He was graver and quieter-more thoughtful in mind-less voluble in conversation.

His self-confidence, however, was the while in no whit impaired. He was positive and determined as ever. The only change here was, that his resolution was more rigid that his self-confidence had lost something of its kindliness. His mind and character were evidently undergoing some kind of internal fermentation, and a very close observer might have been doubtful whether his disposition would not harden and become imperious, before the process was concluded.

Changes do not take place very fast. The

change in Lord Singleton was merely indicated by a few signs; and none but one accustomed to reflect on small things, could have discovered the possible dangers beneath the surface of his character.

He went to London this year only for six weeks. His mind was restless, and he was impatient to be at home again.

During his absence the Beauchamps went to the sea-side. They returned about a week after he did. His arrival had been a surprize, and being a surprize Mr. Beauchamp chanced to comment on it, and to observe with satisfaction that his return was earlier than it had ever been before. There was not much in the remark, and it was innocently and flatteringly made, but Lord Singleton coloured, and replied with sharpness, "That he hated precedents."

Mr. Beauchamp begged his pardon, and then Lord Singleton laughed and begged his, and nothing more was said; but Zoé observed

to Annette, that though she knew she ought not to make remarks, she must say that she thought “Lord Singleton had been very cross to papa." Annette replied-" Perhaps he was Zoé for an instant, but it is not kind to remark such things. No one can ever tell what it is that makes a person speak quickly, and, perhaps, if we knew what was in his mind we should find he had a good reason for it."

“Yes, that is true," was the little girl's reply. "I know always I have a good reason when I am cross."

Annette blushed and smiled, and made no more defence.

The intercourse of Lord Singleton at the Cottage continued, and had continued during the winter and spring with but little change, the same as usual. That little change was in his behaviour to Sybil. For the most part he remained kind and cordial, but as unapproaching as he had been from the beginning

of their acquaintance; but now and then, suddenly and with empressement, he would ask her opinion and endeavour to draw out her sentiments on any subject that occupied him. These ebullitions of attention were again followed by weeks of the word unapproachingness must again be used, for distance im plies reserve or effort, and there was nothing of this in his manner. Two causes were likely to produce these sudden attentions. might be impulses he could not resist-strong desires to hear her speak, or ascertain her sentiments; or they might be politenesses, which after the trouble she had on one occa. sion taken for him, he thought her due. It was to this latter cause, that Sybil ascribed them, and they irritated her beyond mea

sure.

They

This irritation kept alive in her mind a resentment, which otherwise for want of food might have died. The weeks went on, and no

interference of her guardian ruffled the tran

quillity of her way.

cause for interference.

Certainly there was no

As Miss Bates, in the

novel of 'Emma,' observed of Frank Churchill, that "He was all the fondest mother could . ." So Sybil was becoming all the most anxious guardian could... Beneath the sweet influences of domestic life, now for the first time her lot, all that was good in her expanded, all that was harsh and rugged seemed to fall away. Her manners softened, her principles strengthened, her theories of good turned to practice.

In many a home evil is rankling. In many apparently quiet homes, not only sorrow, but sin-not only discontent, but remorse-not only temper, but envy, hate and uncharitableness are hid under an outwardly smooth surface and calm brow. This is a condition of life. But it is certain that to be really happy in a quiet home, requires a good heart, and