oh, gulfs might yawn into which he might be precipitated beyond recal!"

Glistening tear-drops fell; sobs agitated that gentle bosom! Cornelius was to me a brother, his interests were as those of my own soul. I gave unlimited assurance of my unrelaxing zeal. "To-morrow," I said, "will see you another's: blessings, then, be your portion; and oh, may sorrow never chill your heart, nor disappointment blight your young affections."

I took leave with feelings in which pleasure was strangely mixed with pain. I was jealous of Cornelia's happiness, and in my inmost heart prayed Heaven to secure it. I could have flown to her betrothed, and urged him to cherish the priceless treasure, love's so infinite gift. Radiant with youth, beauty, goodness, Cornelia was to me a creation so pure, so angelic, that I never well entertained the idea of her marriage till it was at hand. And I will not-no, I will not

deny that there was a tugging at my heart, such as some half-repentant sinner might be supposed to feel on being bidden to go forth from Paradise after obtaining a glimpse of the glories within.

CECILIA.

I RUMINATED long and bitterly on a position that shut me out from all sacrifice at the shrine of the heart's best affections. "Out upon thee, Michael!" I at length exclaimed: "hast thou no duties to perform, no sufferings to assuage; nothing, in short, to dwell upon, save thy selfish requirements, thy petty woes?" Then I bethought me of that lone maiden whom a father's death had left without a protector, perchance without a home. I hastened to the humble abode, softly rapped, and inquired if the lady were within.

"Yes, in truth is she," replied the poor woman who rented the decayed mansion; "she is entirely within, wearing out dear life to gain a trifle for herself and the little boy. Oh, her face is whiter than the snow; it is not long, I am thinking, she will be here."

Cruel neglect! I should have seen to it before. I begged the landlady to say, if it should not prove intrusive, Father Michael wished to pay his respects. Entering the apartment, for I had not been detained a moment, I was struck with the propriety that everywhere prevailed. I looked at the young inmate ; anguish, watching, had given those glorious features an expression not their own. A basket with needlework stood upon a table, while a tallow candle shed feeble rays on a truckle bed, where a child with pale and pinched features somewhat fitfully reposed.

"Most heartily do I thank you, sir, for your

great humanity; ah, had my father but heeded my supplications! But the seduction of the wine cup, with the allurements of inferior associates, undid my efforts, and stilled the voice of conscience in his breast. Sorrow-stricken

perished my mother. I have been preserved, perhaps because I humbly prayed to do my duty by this dear child: would, indeed, we were together, and at rest, in a world where bread is no longer watered with tears! In his last moments my father deplored the past, gazing at us as long as he could see: he was still my father, and for his sake I would omit no effort to preserve our poor existence."

There was nothing perhaps in her resolves that challenged vehement approval; still the decision with which they had been framed, and the determination with which they were carried out, commanded my respect. I dared not tender the humble pecuniary assistance I was

prepared to offer, and took my leave with sentiments to which I felt that rank or station alone could have no claim.

A few days after, while busied in my study, a letter addressed in a dainty female hand was given in. I broke the seal.

"Rev. Sir," it began; "Your security proved effectual; my employer no longer hesitates to place work at my disposal, and would even forward more. Honest Teresa procures the materials, and negotiates the hire. My brother insists on doubling down the seams: he says, dear child, it gives him pleasure to help his sister. For him I try to be cheerful. That Heaven may bless you is the orphan's prayer! Ever, Rev. Sir, Cecilia Martendale."

"And this," exclaimed I, reflecting on the slender aid I had been able to afford, with the disproportionate gratitude evinced in return, "is the bereaved one's name!"