either happy or respected. The longer Matilda knew Miss Murray, the more she esteemed her amiable qualities, though the deficiency of her mental powers became perceptible in proportion as their intercourse increased; and occasionally the contrast forced itself upon her thoughts between Eleanor, who was all talent without good feeling, and Miss Murray, who abounded in good feeling without a glimmering of talent. In the world's estimation, how infinitely superior was Eleanor FitzPatrick, but in the eye of an all-seeing God, whose thoughts are not as our thoughts, the heart alone shall be judged, and the gentle unsophisticated disposition of Miss Murray far out-weighed more brilliant gifts; for truly and sadly has the poet declared, that

"Not many wise, rich, noble, or profound,
Shall gain one inch of Heavenly ground.

your

"Matilda! I must really take a lionizing peep of Miss Murray, for she seems to be quite a phoenix! said Eleanor, one morning at breakfast, after her cousin had been describing, with an eloquence peculiarly her own, the good which was done in Gaelfield by Dr Murray and his sister. "It is always desirable to see perfection in men, women, or animals."

"I do not promise you that on the present occasion," replied Matilda; "I neither think any of my friends perfect, nor wish others to believe them so. Even Dr Murray, much as we must admire him, is merely human, after all, and would be the first to acknowledge that his sins and infirmities are numerous every day. He observed to me lately that there is scarcely one of the Patriarchs mentioned in Scripture whose faults and offences are not recorded there to show the frailty and corruption which are inseparable from our nature while we continue upon earth; and that the surest proof of

divine grace being implanted in the heart of man is when that struggle commences between good and evil, which is painfully experienced by every Christian, for, as evil continually exists within us, it can only be by quenching the good spirit that people are enabled to say, 'Peace to their awakened consciences.' Dr Murray's being continually sensible of sin, renders him compassionate to the trials and temptations of others, for he is not one of those who can be humble before God and proud before men; therefore all his people go to him with the most entire confidence, and impart to him their thoughts and feelings. An hour every day is devoted to receiving any of his parishioners who wish to claim advice or assistance; and his invitation is without limit, whether to the evil or the good; for his sympathy extends to all without exception. He keeps a register of every family under his care, with an account of their numbers, their habits, their wants, and their religious state, so that each individual in the humblest hovel is personally known to him; and I often, in my own mind, compare Dr Murray to a monarch benevolently reigning in the hearts and in the homes of his people."

"We shall certainly attend one of his levees," interrupted Eleanor, laughingly directing Miss Marabout's attention to Matilda's countenance, which sparkled with animation. "I have always thought that nature or fortune will make a great mistake if you are not hereafter a parson's wife. You would mend and make the family linen, prepare medicines, and cheap broth for the poor; and if the good man was not particularly bright, you could even compose his sermons. Dr Murray is unluckily rather too old, or he would have suited admirably. By the way, he was tutor to Sir Alfred Douglas's father, which is an additional inducement to render his acquaint

ance desirable, though I scarcely know why that should signify either." Eleanor coloured, and rapidly continued her sentence. N'importe! we cannot live another day without visiting Gaelfield,-can we, Miss Marabout?" Certainly not," replied her companion in a very indifferent tone.

66

Well, then! to please Miss Marabout, who seems really bent upon going, I shall drive her there in the pony carriage after luncheon, and meet you, Matilda ; for, of course, some charity appointment will cause you to precede us by an hour or two in the village, where your face is better known already than the Saracen's Head. Poor Miss Murray! it is a wonder that we did not go sooner to enjoy the diversion of drawing her out, as she will be quite a study for me. I nearly died of laughing once at an anecdote of your friend's simplicity, for it was so perfectly ridiculous. Lord De Mainbury was out with the hounds, and after a capital run, they were completely at fault, when he suddenly observed Miss Murray tying up a Portugal laurel in the garden. Was it this way that the fox passed?' he eagerly enquired. Yes!' she replied, near that slap in the wall to your right hand.'- How long since?' enquired Lord De Mainbury, impatiently reining in his horse. Just fifteen years ago next November!' replied she, deliberately. I remember it perfectly, for he carried off our Turkey cock.' It is alleged that Lord De Mainbury's rage at her stupidity exceeded all bounds, and that he gets into a fury yet whenever the story is men tioned."

CHAPTER VIII.

A primrose by the river's brim

A yellow primrose was to him,
And it was nothing more.

WORDSWORTH.

Of all the different aspects which insolent pride can assume, there is none half so oppressive to the object of it as voluble condescension, which was the form in which Eleanor occasionally delighted to assert her own importance among those whom she considered her inferiors. She entered the room at Gaelfield with an air of overpowering patronage, and with a torrent of words which completely bewildered Miss Murray's small portion of wit or understanding, while she ran on with a stream of apologies for not having called sooner and been a more sociable neighbour. Something of what she said. appeared to be serious and polite, but the rest was so entirely jocular, that her simple hostess, who could scarcely discriminate between the one and the other, stole an occasional look at Matilda, with an anxious enquiring expression, which seemed to ask " Is your cousin laughing at me or not ?"

Miss Fitz-Patrick complimented her on all the good that was done in the parish, which seemed really to have gratified and surprised her; but she elicited some jests at the same time upon Matilda having been appointed "assistant and successor." She admired the garden in extravagant terms, though there was scarcely a leaf re

maining in it, and professed to think her own not nearly in such good order, while six gardeners were employed continually to dress it. She fell into raptures with Miss Murray's ancient Bible, and begged it might be left to her in a legacy. She examined some Scripture prints which were suspended on the wall, and after making several ridiculous blunders in guessing the subjects they represented, she turned to inspect Miss Murray's bonnet, and professed an intention to order one immediately on the same pattern. A sly look which she stole towards Miss Marabout in saying this, betrayed to Matilda how little any degree of simplicity or goodness could serve as a shield from her cousin's satirical propensities, who now proceeded to a critical dissertation on Miss Murray's knitting. "You must positively show me all the mysteries of this business, for I intend to reach a great old age, and knitting will be a valuable resource; but it requires more genius than one would suppose to accomplish it in perfection, for they tell me that any one who can turn the heel of a stocking is fit to govern a kingdom. Mine must be worked without heels, and people may draw them on the best way they can. I am convinced that no lady is ever thoroughly domestic who does not excel in some sort of work; and half our gadding about now, is because we are all so intellectual, and would sooner think of lifting Cleopatra's needles than our own. What a delightful airy little sittingroom this is! I protest the bright yellow curtains, and the profusion of gilt frames, lighted up with that blazing fire and glowing sunshine, look altogether so gay, that it would be impossible for you ever to feel melancholy here. Such a collection of prints and pictures reminds me of the Louvre !-have you a catalogue ?— I must come and spend an hour or two some day in