that gleaming throat: for an evil spirit had gotten possession of her-the fiercest and cruelest that woman can harbour, that turns her gentle feelings into passions, and her passions themselves into a whirlwind. But those bright defiant eyes kept her back, even in her madness; and while they goaded her to insult, warned her not to approach too near.

66

I thought, Miss Esther," she spoke in a hoarse whisper," you were so tired you could not sit up; may I ask what has hindered you from going to bed?"

"I believe it was fatigue," replied Margaret, resolved to speak civilly as long as she could, "I nearly sat out my candle, and have just fetched another."

"Are you aware, Miss Esther, that sitting up so late may impair your fine complexion?"

"I have heard so," said Margaret, biting her lip, "so to avoid such a misfortune, I will wish you good night." She turned away, and had just reached her own door, when she heard a step behind her, and a nervous tremor ran through her frame, to see Theodosia still by her side.

"What do you want, Miss Crawford? Why are you following me? Can I do any thing for you?” "Yes, you can listen to me. You have told me what you have been doing; I will tell you what I have been doing. I have been speaking my mind to my mother on your malicious conduct: I have told her I

will be revenged upon you: I do not

care a fig for

your hypocritical apologies, made at the nod of the rich mistress you fawn upon. You have wronged me in the tenderest point; you have made me a butt in my family; my own brothers and sister are laughing at what they call my defeat; and as sure as you stand there, and I stand here, for all your marvellous beauty, and for all your mistress's wealth, I'll be the death of you but I'll be revenged!"

Margaret was startled by her vehemence, though only expressed in gesture, for she never raised her voice above the fierce whisper in which she had spoken first: but pitying her condition, forbore to resent her taunts. "You are excited with passion, Miss Crawford, and you do not know what you are saying. I have never tried or wished to injure you; and believe me, you will find it lost labour to try and injure me. Our paths lie apart : I would be on friendly terms with you if you will: but if you will not, it is better we should each pursue our way in peace. Remember," she continued, raising her hand with an involuntary gesture of defiance, as Theodosia was about to interrupt her, "I do not say this because I fear you, or any of you, for I do not; but because, at least while under your roof, I would avoid what this conduct must produce." And stepping into her room, she bolted the door, and thus effectually stopped the discussion.

She could not see the look that followed her, nor hear the consultation her enemy held that night with her confidante Shipton: but she had seen and heard

:

enough to disturb her rest considerably and even her change of rooms could not ensure her peaceful dreams. While Alfred, in his north attic, watched the light in her window, and wondered if she slept, and prayed with all the fervour of his simple and glowing heart, that she might at least be blest, whether he shared the blessing, or no!

HE next day was Sunday: always kept with decency in Mr. Crawford's household; and indeed, wherever the Vicar's

authority extended. The family walked to church, and occupied one of the three square pews devoted to the "gentry." Margaret, who missing Alfred, could not resist enquiring after him from Nelson, was surprised to hear he was one of Mr. Leyden's assistants in the Sunday-school, and also occasional organist in the church. He officiated that morning, and the exquisite pathos with which he played the anthem, "I will arise," drew tears from Margaret's eyes. It soothed her spirit, and elevated her thoughts, and prepared her for the service that followed, and

which she now for the first time heard in an English country church.

The Vicar performed the whole; his mild solemnity and fervour communicated itself to the congregation: every thing was quiet, decent, orderly: the children who sang, had been selected from the rest by himself for their voices, and judiciously taught: the congregation joined, and the effect was touching;-instead of being what it is in some parishes, a trial both to the nerves and patience. And Mr. Leyden's sermon, like every thing about him, showed where his heart was. Clear, forcible, searching, he probed every other heart to the core; and Margaret, unused to such preaching, actually trembled beneath the operation. He set her thoughts, her passions, her secret dominant motives, as plainly before her eyes as if he had been gifted with insight into the spirit's workings: and held herself up to her own gaze in such a light, that she could have bowed her head to the ground with shame. Then he showed the true source of right and holy living;-how that the heart must by faith embrace the Cross, and be renewed by the Holy Spirit, and receiving from Him daily spiritual life, be enabled to run the Christian race with gladness and peace, looking with full assurance of hope to the end. Then he spoke of the joys of Heaven, of those glorious and everlasting mansions which the Saviour has prepared,-where holiness, and gladness, and glory, and love, tread the eternal round of