"O Linda!” cried the girl, unable any longer to stem the long pent-up agony. "Oh! what shall I do? He is going to marry Emily."

Linda sprang to her sister's side; and as the latter gave way to an overpowering burst of tears, she put her strong young arms tightly round her, as if to shield her from all harm. Linda had no eloquent argument at her command. She could think of nothing to say,indeed, but "Never mind love; never mind: he's not worth grieving for." But her hearty kisses, her clinging embrace, and her sympathising tears were more soothing than many words could have been.

Gradually Bell sobbed out all her story; and then Linda caressed and comforted her again, as a tender mother caresses a weary child. And Bell sank into a deep sleep, and forgot her troubles for a while.

Mr. Seton was in bed when his wife returned to her room.

"I must beg you will not sit up talking with

your sister in this highly unseasonable manner,” he exclaimed; "you have all the day for talking. I really can't understand what you can have to say."

"I was hearing some news," Linda said; "Miss Clayton and Mr. Lington are going to marry.'

The woman's worse than a fool!" Mr. Seton cried, raising his nightcapped head to enforce his words. However, it's no business of mine, I'm glad to say. And, pray what does Bell think of this? I should hope she now regrets her indecorous flirtation with him?"

"Bell," replied Linda, hesitatingly, "is surprised too. Will you be so kind as not to mention it before her? I am afraid she rather believed all his nonsense."

"The fellow should be horsewhipped," Mr. Seton exclaimed. "I'll horsewhip him, by George, I will. It serves Bell right. I knew how it would be; I cautioned her; but of course she knew best."

"No, no," said Linda, earnestly; "you must

take no notice, dear, in any way." She spoke affectionately, for his unexpected chivalry pleased her. "These things are best let alone.” "What do you know about it?" he asked, smiling at her unusually kind words.

"You

never went through anything of the sort;" and he looked keenly at her.

But Linda's steady gaze had no need to flinch.

"No," she said, innocently. "I was never in love with any one; but I've read all about it.”

Bell fought bravely with her rebellious heart; but for the present, at least, she was miserable. Captain Robin meeting her a few days after her trouble came upon her, noticed how ill she was looking.

"No bad news, I hope?" he asked. don't look like yourself, young lady."

"You

No; no bad news from

"One can't always be in the

height of glee."

"No;" he

Captain Robin shook his head. answered, “I suppose we all have our sober moods. I have especially, just now. My father wants me to sell out and look after the property. I don't care to grow mouldy yet awhile."

Bell was roused and interested. "Then you'd settle down at The Park?" she exclaimed. "Well, I think your father is right; why should you follow any profession?”

"The next thing would be," continued the captain moodily; "I should have to marry, and really I cannot make up my mind to that.

Bell laughed almost heartily.

"Don't be afraid," she said; "perhaps everyone would refuse you.'

"No such luck," said he. "I'm not a conceited fellow," added the little man, pulling down his wristbands to show his diamond links; "but I know I'm a good catch,-you understand, eh!"

But," Bell replied, "you wouldn't marry a

girl who only cared for your position, would you?"

"Oh, no. I'm awfully particular, you know, or I should have been snapped up long ago. I must have some money when I marry. You ladies are so extravagant in dress and wine nowadays, that a mere squire, who likes to keep his hounds and have a few good horses in his stables, has no chance to indulge his own little tastes if he has a penniless wife. And, do you know, cousin Bell, I always notice the penniless wives give themselves the most airs! I take it they don't know the value of money, you know."

Oh, no;" cried Bell. "Look at Linda, for instance, she doesn't give herself airs."

Mrs. Polkely Seton was standing on the other side of the large room, with her hand on her husband's arm, talking to some elderly gentlemen, who all looked rich and complaisant. Linda's gown of the richest blue silk, draped with costly white lace, her fair soft neck and