Why, she must be five years older than Mr. Lington."

"So she could," Linda replied to the first part of her sister's remarks; “and I dare say he would give worlds to catch her."

Bell smiled, a little knowing smile,-her stock of worldly wisdom was as yet very small.

Mr. Seton was quite curious about Captain Robin Shrugg's intimacy with Bell. He related to her the anecdote of the young man's mistake at the theatre; and even questioned his wife whether she fancied the young people had a fancy for each other.

Linda couldn't say; she agreed with her husband it would be a very good match, but she knew nothing about its likelihood. And then Mr. Seton thought he ought to show some civility to his wife's relations, and invited the captain to a grand dinner party. And the captain came, and electrified all the middle-aged, steady guests by his ceaseless

R

rattle of small talk, and his wonderfully elaborate dress; but Mr. Seton never told his wife why he had invited him at that particular time, nor the conclusion that he had arrived at, which was that neither Bell nor Robin were on more than friendly terms.

Το say the truth, Mr. Seton had determined to try to get his sister-in-law properly married, according to his estimate of a proper marriage. Could she be settled near her sister it would be desirable, as unfortunately he despaired of breaking Linda from loving her family. To have one of the family, therefore, near at hand, in a good position, would not only look well in the eyes of the world, but would be pleasant to Linda; and he magnanimously determined to bring about some such a settlement, and in default of Robin Shrugg, Mr. Mowlam seemed a very suitable parti.

"Mowlam admires Bell's playing wonderfully," he said to his sister, Mrs. Burcham,

who had been recalled home on business. "I'm not sure he doesn't admire the young lady wonderfully also."

The little widow stared at her brother, and then laughed sarcastically.

Why, he's as old as you are!" she cried. "I'm quite aware of it," he answered; "and Miss Bell is the same age as my wife."

"Oh, to be sure! I beg your pardon," she replied, with another provoking laugh; "but I suspect Mowlam isn't so sentimental as you are, he likes money more than beauty, I expect."

"I fancy I know him better than you do," said Mr. Seton. "I never thought him a marrying man, I confess; but he certainly showed great interest in Bell's rendering of Meyerbeer in B.”

"I wonder you are not all tired of fiddling," she exclaimed. "But now, Jason, don't lend yourself to matchmaking. Mowlam's old enough to choose for himself. Don't try to

make a goose of him. I am a more suitable wife for him than that little girl, Bell."

"Harriet!" said her brother with dignity, "I wish you would try to reflect before you speak." Upon which the widow laughed merrily again, and wished she had a little of her brother's sobriety.

Mr. Seton changed the subject; he always found himself worsted in argument with his sister.

'Well," he said, as he took leave, "I am glad you have come back. I shall be glad if you will look after my young ladies. I shall be very busy for the next two months, and I don't like two such good-looking persons going about together."

Thank you for nothing; but I won't play. duenna even to please you. Neither am I so very old as to frighten the men away," she answered.

"Oh the vanity of my poor sister!" Mr. Seton mentally exclaimed, as he left her house.

"I really believe she entertains the preposterous notion of being eligible for a second marriage yet!"

The twins soon found out why Mr. Seton was always eulogizing his old friend, and continually inviting him to the house; and I regret to say they enjoyed the idea as a good joke. Bell sketched him ridiculously in her home letters; and while she professed to listen to his opinions, and express her unfeigned admiration of his musical performances, she was laying up caricatured material for further epistles; for though Susy continued very ill, and William Somers lay dead in his far-off grave, Bell's youthful spirits had risen above all trouble, and Linda's life was thereby rendered happy once more.

Mr. Seton thought he saw all things progressing according to his wishes, and was at ease, till one eventful evening when Bell met Mr. Lington at a dance.

Frederick Lington plays too small a part