landscape. Here lay a valley yielding au annual abundance of rich pasturage or waving crops, there a hill tilled to its very summit, yonder a mountain rising sublimely to the clouds, and around a thousand rills giving forth their never-dying music. Flocks and herds roamed in freedom over unbounded ranges, and the watchful goat paced with stately step along the dizzy brink of the rugged cliff. On the morning in question a traveller was to be seen wending his way along this romantic route; ever and anon he stopped and cast his eye around in admiration, and then, with measured step, resumed his journey. At length coming to the ruins of a "monastic dome," which occupied the centre of a small green vale by the wayside, he diverted from his course and narrowly inspected these solitary mementos of a former age. By-and-bye he took from his pocket a sketch-book, and artistically drew the picturesque remains of what had assuredly once been an elaborate pile. Having for some time thus halted, he once more renewed his march, and on turning the next bend in the

VOL II.

K

road he unexpectedly beheld a dwelling warmly nestling amongst a patch of lofty trees, and not far distant an old man was absorbingly occupied in the construction of a rustic gate. The traveller came into close proximity before he was aware of any one being present, so intently was he engaged in his rude artifice.

"What a charming prospect you have from this situation, my good man; I have travelled far but never beheld a more glorious landscape."

The addressed held up his head suddenly, as if somewhat startled by the stranger's voice.

"It is indeed, sir—it is indeed,” replied he, for a moment desisting from his labour, and respectfully touching his hat to one whom at a glance he recognized as a gentleman.

"Is there not a village a short distance from this?" asked the stranger.

"There is a village some two or three miles hence, but not in the direction you are taking, sir."

"I'm sorry I have taken the wrong turn, as I have had a long walk this morning."

"I shall be happy to point out to you the right road, sir; but pray what is the name of the place you desire to reach ?"

"Griff-Griff-yes Griffstaye - Griffstaye," said the stranger, at first hesitatingly, then iterating the name.

"This is Griffstaye-this is Griffstaye!" quickly answered the old man.

"I thought it was a village, and this is but a lone house."

"There is no village of that name, as I ever heered of in this part of the country, sir."

"Well, my good fellow, does not one Captain De Bohun reside here ?" "He does, sir."

"He has not lived here very long though, I believe ?"

"Only a few months, sir-only a few months."

"My errand is to see him and his family, and-"

The old man's eyeballs dilated with amaze

ment that any one should find his master in so remote a part of his Majesty's dominions. He stood for a moment, as if in reflection, to ask within himself whether he had done right or not in acknowledging that his employer lived there. The recollection of lawyers, bailiffs, writs, executions, auctioneers, came with magical rapidity before his mind'seye, and the question suggested itself, was this another of those horrid Londoners who had made such havoc of the family's fortunes, and had he on some evil errand ferretted them out in their seclusion? He interrupted the speaker by some casual observation, as if to give his thoughts breathing time, ere he committed himself. After once more eying him cap-a-pie, he felt certain he was a gentleman, and that it would be proper to speak the truth in reply to any questions by which he might be interrogated.

"Shall I tell Captain De Bohun of your presence ?" asked Simon.

"I beg you will."

Simon threw down the hammer, which he had still retained in his hand, and was

hurrying towards the house, when the strange gentleman called out and bid him retrace his steps.

"Take this card, and say that Major Douglas does himself the honour of calling on Captain De Bohun."

As the major placed his address in Simon's hand the poor old man looked steadfastly in his face for a moment, and would fain have entered into a brief tete-a-tete; but he deemed it most respectful to at once deliver the message.

"If you will please to follow me, sir," said Simon, "I'll show you the garden-wicket which conducts to the first door."

The major did so, and ere his hand had touched the knocker, his card had been read by Captain De Bohun.

"Major Douglas-Major Douglas!" said Godfrey, somewhat agitated, and pausing for a moment to recal, if he could, the name to memory. "The gentleman is an is an utter stranger to me—I remember him not. Kate, my love, ring the bell, and desire him to be shown in. I fear that in our present cir