for any one who would prove so commonplace a heroine as I fear I should."

"Quite a mistake, I assure you. Never mind your early life-that was uninteresting enough, I dare say, for you must have been too amiable a child. I would begin with Sir Harry's first introduction to you, and proceed with various interesting and romantic traits of his untiring devotion for years. I know you had a strong, though of course a very properly feminine, approbation and attachment, and so forth. I would certainly descant largely on the mutual constancy which finally overcame tremendous obstacles! Then would come the happy, charming conclusion, when I acted as bridesmaid. All would have been perfect, but for the disconsolate looks of poor Arthur Graham. There my novel in strict justice ought to end. Do you think I might by any means render the honeymoon, the continental tour, the return home, interesting to some readers? But, Clara! This last, long separation, is it not quite unpardonable?

"Not quite," replied Clara, smiling; "in

this life we must pardon all offences, great and small, even such an offence as an unpardonable absence."

"But you should have accompanied him, and assisted him to nurse his invalid uncle. You have been doing nothing but trimming Alice's frocks, looking out upon the sea, and learning a little Italian poetry."

"No, no; I have been much better employed, as you are aware; particularly during the last three days, in looking through this large telescope, listening to harbour reports, and watching the ebb and flow of the tide. I fully enter into your spirit of sarcasm, you perceive, though I am the object of it."

"Only a little help from imagination, Clara, and I could picture you to myself as one of Amphitrite's nymphs."

"I advise you to adhere to truth. The events of my life have been sufficiently varied. A trying youth contrasts with a perfectly blissful married life;" and at that moment Lady Lisle looked the intense happiness she felt. "It is lovely out," she continued, rising and

approaching the window. "Do, Annie, put away your drawing, and we will ride along

the sands to Moor Point."

"With all my heart. I am tired of my tedious pencil and paper, which obstinately refuses to take your exact likeness. That peculiar expression of gentle decision is diffi cult to manage artistically, though it is very captivating in nature. If I try to make you look serious, I give a cross turn to the upper lip, and a smile instantly degenerates into a silly simper. This will never do for Sir Harry. What a dear, charming, lovely home you have, Clara!" continued Annie, as, hastily removing the condemned portrait, she rushed towards the piazza, and gazed for a moment with visible pleasure upon the beautiful sea view. I wish every home were like yours!but no comparisons-but it certainly is rather more difficult to be happy at Fenwick House than at Ashton Park. We are all such strange people there!"

"You are not strange, you are only very natural and very enthusiastic," replied her friend affectionately. "No well directed in

fluence would be thrown away upon you, I

am certain."

"Perhaps not. But at home I am at a loss where to look for it," returned Annie, in a light, careless tone. "But never mind. I am going to put on my habit instantly. I only allow you a few minutes to think, look at the picture, and count how many days and weeks it is since the original left you. Then we will take our usual sweeping look over the waste of waters."

"Waste indeed!" said Lady Lisle to herself, as Annie, singing a stanza of a favourite song, left the room in overflowing spirits. "The world is a waste to me without my Harry, and, with all her love of frolic and ridicule, Annie is right in saying that I do think of him night and day! And well may I indeed value my blessings. He is kind, affectionate, and his face is dearer to me than aught in the wide world," she continued, as giving words to her thoughts she moved towards the portrait of which Annie Mowbray had spoken, and which hung over her writingtable. Intelligence, gentleness, and high

bearing marked the countenance of this idol of Clara's heart, and seemed to authorize the devotion with which for some minutes she continued silently gazing before it. "All I wish and pray for is to see this face once more; for I am indeed a happy wife. Few can boast of being equally blessed. Removed from poverty to affluence, to being the object on which true affection is lavished-how can I be sufficiently thankful? And our darling Alice!"

Thus expressing the thoughts that crowded her heart, even to overflowing, Lady Lisle remained for some minutes before she applied herself to the task of letter-writing. words were not wanted to express what was plainly read in her countenance.

But

Miss Mowbray had said she was beautiful. To the soft, dark eyes and clear brow, shaded by masses of wavy brown hair, plaited and wound round her elegant and classicallyshaped head; to the varying tints of complexion, and the bright smile, which at times gave an indescribable charm to her countenance, the appellation of beauty could not