has been uppermost in my mind since I left the Church of Rome. I have written to my steward about the land; he has seen the owner, who asks a most exorbitant price for it, far beyond its value: but no matter about that, I must have that field and no other, because I know it would give her pleasure to see a church there. Lorraine has gone to some first-rate architect for plans, and I shall meet him to-morrow about them. If it shall please God to spare my life, I intend to build a church, parsonage, and schools, and endow them as a thank-offering (but how small a one, indeed, in proportion to God's goodness to me!), and if it be permitted me, I will devote myself to God's service, and strive to make up for all my hitherto wasted time and opportunities!"

"And why need all this be kept a secret, Herbert?"

"I do not like these things to be talked about; I am not doing it to receive the praise of men. I do not, for the present, wish Ethel to hear of it; she might think my conduct strange, were she to know I was frequently in the neighbourhood, and building a church, and yet never attempt a renewal of intimacy."

"And will you not return to live at Thurlston soon?" inquired Ada.

"Not until the church is finished: I cannot trust myself to be so near her."

"It seems unnecessary self-denial," Ada replied abruptly. Herbert was rather hurt.

"If you had sinned as deeply as I have done, Ada, you would understand the necessity I feel for selfdenial. Why should I rush all at once into the anticipation of earthly happiness? I cannot both marry and build the church this year; I am not in a condi

tion to do so, my ready money will be more than spent in the building; and much of my property is entailed. You do not know how dreadfully I have gambled— thousands and thousands are gone, in losses and paying other debts. It will take some years to restore my property to what it once was; but I am thankful to say I have still abundance. You need not look alarmed, but in appropriating this year's income to the service of God, I must deny myself all present gratification of earthly happiness. Now do you understand me, Ada?" replied Raymond.

"I do! I was wrong, dear Herbert. Will you forgive my hastiness?"

"There is nothing to forgive, darling.”

"What style is the church to be? Is it to be very handsome and costly?"

I

"Handsome, but not elaborate; finished and elegant, I hope. I do not like those extremely decorated churches, whose gorgeousness entraps the senses but does not promote true devotion. This is what I dislike so much in Rome. But depend upon it, Ada, I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing. shall not have a plain barn-like church. Why should we dwell in ceiled houses, and leave the house of God plain and homely, if it is in our power to make it beautiful? However, you shall see my plans when they are made, and judge for yourself."

"Oh, thanks! I shall take so much interest in seeing them," replied Ada, warmly; and then an interruption occurred to their conversation, after which they returned to Sir Charles and Lady Harcourt. Ada's marriage took place the beginning of April; after which there was nothing to prevent Herbert throwing his whole heart into the business of his church, and in an incredibly short time the site was agreed

about, the plans settled, and the work begun. Lorraine was the principal superintender of the building, understanding the management better than Herbert, having made architecture one of his studies. Raymond often came down for a few hours from London, but he seldom went over, even for a night, to Thurlston, not wishing it to be known that he was in the vicinity, and fearing lest Ethel might hear of him being there and think it strange he should make no effort to see her.

It was on one of Lorraine's visits to Sawley that he encountered Ethel at Sally's house (for no doubt the "Mr. Lurrin" already alluded to has been recognised). On his return to London he related all particulars of this meeting to Herbert, speaking in the highest terms of Miss Woodville, both as regarded her personal appearance and the intelligence and pleasing manners she possessed. He spoke so feelingly about her, that a sharp pang of jealousy rose to Raymond's heart. His friend alluded with evident agitation to the very close resemblance he had found in her to his wife, which made him feel so great an interest in her. He little knew the miserable thoughts this avowal stirred up in Raymond. Lorraine had seen her-admired her! she was like the only woman he had ever loved! Where would this end? A thrill of agitation passed over his frame. Lorraine was a man calculated to make a woman happy - a woman of such a character as Ethel. His friend was worthy of her love, he had proved himself unworthy, was this to be his punishment? was his dearest earthly happiness to be dashed from him? His feelings were for a time intensely painful; but he knew now where to turn for comfort, and his heart grew calm as he thought of the watchful Father who orders all things for his children's

VOL. II.

U

good; and should such a sacrifice be required as surrendering the hope of Ethel, strength would be given to make it. A holy calm stole into his heart when he thought of these things, and he felt he could leave the issue of the event in the hands of Him who cared for him.

CHAPTER XXIII.

"Feed my lambs:' 'twas kindly spoken

Twas a legacy of love:

Still his followers kept the token

Of their Saviour passed above."-EDMESTON.

"The peace which passeth all understanding' disclosed itself in her looks and movements. It lay on her countenance like a steady, unshadowed moonlight."- COLERIDGE.

"A blessing on thy head, thou child of many hopes and fears! A rainbow welcome thine hath been of mingled smiles and

tears.

Thy father greets thee unto life with a full and chastened

heart,

For a solemn gift from God thou com'st, all precious as thou art."- - MRS. HEMANS.

WHEN Ethel returned from Switzerland with Laura and her husband, notwithstanding her sister's urgent entreaty for her to remain with them, she deemed it desirable at once to return home.

Laura's health was thoroughly established, and she had learned from Ethel how to arrange and manage her household affairs with greater care; and it was far better she should commence a new system without any seeming assistance. Besides, now her duty with her elder sister was over, it was time she should again return to Minnie, who had been confided to her