parted to the eye whose every turn she had learnt to read and interpret with the utmost accuracy, and which had for some time past told a tale of listless despondency.

his work. Nor was it only a mother's partiality which extorted the warm encomiums she bestowed upon it; the picture was in very truth admirably well executed-life itself scarce ever looked more life. "And then," as the admiring observer exclaimed, "'twas such a mischievous looking Hebe! one really longed to hear her talk! She looked as if the bluest of devils must vanish before her laugh! her eyes told of the rarest joke, while her sweet dimpled mouth promised the kindest apology for the raillery which one might fancy the merry spirit within could restrain !"

Several days passed after the picture had taken its station in Mr. Higson's window. Each time that Paul returned from his morning walk in the city, Mrs. Churchill's eyes asked the question she feared to mortify him by uttering; but each time any further interrogation was entirely prevented by her observing the blank, dispirited expression of her son's speaking countenance, and the mortified air with which he took his seat opposite her at the small, scantily covered table, that seemed to force upon the recollection the slender means he still felt himself

CHAPTER IV.

Paul worked at his picture with renewed eagerness; but while he complied with his mother's wish, he at the same time held to his determination of not allowing himself the dangerous gratification of depicting the particular beauty which had made such an impression upon him; besides, this was intended as a specimen of his skill, and itw ould have seemed to him a sort of profanation of a form " so rich and rare" to show it to all who might choose to look on it; besides that he thought it would be taking an unwarrantable liberty to attempt a likeness of one not even known to him. He resolved, therefore, to make it a decidedly different style of face. Whereas, the eyes that had enchained his fancy were blue-pure skyey blue! those that his pencil should now spend its skill in pourtraying should imitate the darkest jet; instead of the raven locks which formed so beautiful a contrast to the marble forehead they overtopped, the palest auburn curl should cluster about the temples of his creation. Fur-powerless as ever to increase. ther he could not go in the alteration; for to have given up the perfectly oval outline of the face, the Grecian nose, the round red lip, and the gentle transition from the cheek to the ear, would have been too great a sacrifice; they were the common property of all real beauty; but by endeavouring to substitute the most laughing expression for the lofty Madonna cast of countenance which had struck him so forcibly in the beautiful stranger, he thought he relinquished all that could be expected of him. Nor could he refrain from making a somewhat close copy of the graceful form he so well remembered; a little more em-bon-point would be consistent with his plan of making a difference, at the same time that it would harmonize best with the less ethereal appearance of his " chefd'œuvre," but the same exquisite chiselling was, he decided, absolutely necessary. Now," thought he, as the beautiful figure first began to look upon him from the canvas with an air of reality, smiling with the arch simplicity he had striven to impart to it; "who can accuse me of having gone beyond my limits in imitating living beauty? Who will say there is anything heavenly in that face? I flatter myself that it represents a lovely female, but she is evidently of the earth earthy; no one need suppose her a visitor from some better world. There are, to be sure," he continued, as his eye rested on the several points of resemblance before-mentioned, "some charms in common, but I must have disfigured my picture had I denied myself that privilege; there is a striking likeness, I confess, but there can be but one rule for perfect beauty; there must always be some similarity between those on whom is bestowed that bewitching boon."

"Hope long deferred maketh the heart sick!" said the wisest among men; but were it not so deferred, where would be the keen relish, the eager appetite, which, "when the desire cometh," makes it "a tree of life?"

Mrs. Churchill was, as might have been expected, in raptures, when, having given it its last touches, her son invited her to look upon

One morning, the sun shone with especial brilliancy in the city of ; it was the beautiful month of October, the month which is bright, cheerful, and almost always sunny in every latitude of the temperate zone. Paul (probably from a morbid state of feeling, preferring the retirement of his study to the busy haunts of men, where he felt as if always jostling against those whose prosperity seemed to taunt him with his own failure) had not left the house for several days; but suddenly on this morning he threw aside his pencil, apparently impelled, in spite of himself, to seek the reviving influences of the open air. He turned his steps, as if mechanically, to the part of the city where his favourite production had for some time been exposed to view, and where, had his genius been of a practical sort, he would have known it was not situated to attract the kind of notice it deserved. It was crowded among a miscellaneous collection of engravings, which, being the property of the master of the shop, could not, of course, he expected to turn out of their places in order to give the intruder a fair opportunity of displaying its superior attrac tions. Thus it passed, among those who might chance to take a view of the contents of the window, only as one-perhaps the prettiest, among the collection.

Paul's slow and listless steps, and the measured pace with which he approached the printshop, have given us time for this digression.

As he walked leisurely along, he determined within himself to withdraw the slighted picture from its so-called place of exhibition, and place it in the retirement, which would at least be a comparatively honourable one, of his mother's little parlour. Its excellences would there be, at any rate, appreciated; in that position there would be no danger of its being overlooked.

With such feelings, and having formed this resolution, he approached the shop; but on stopping at the window, to greet with one passing look the object of his lucubrations, he started-it was not there. "What," thought he, even jostled out of its quiet, unostentatious corner!" He entered, and his surprise and agitation were not diminished by the sight of a gentleman standing opposite the identical picture (which the shopman was supporting against the wall), and gazing at it with the most rapt attention; one moment putting on his spectacles, and the next taking them off, and applying his handkerchief to his eyes to wipe the tears which, as he gazed, seemed to gather faster and faster.

Paul was speechless with astonishment. Who could it be, who was bestowing such unlookedfor, such flattering attention upon the so long neglected picture?

It was evident that some particular sorrow sat heavy at the heart of the stranger, which seemed startlingly mysterious to Paul. The sight of the picture appeared to open some deep wound; for, as he looked, he wept-and though he wept, he looked again. At last he turned to the shopman

"Do you know the artist, whose skill this beautiful picture" (and here he sighed deeply) "so plainly declares to be of no common order?"

"This is the gentleman, sir," replied the man, "standing beside you-Mr. Churchill."

"Oh no, sir!" replied Paul, endeavouring to speak calmly, though the flutter of his spirits could not be concealed. "Although most unworthy the commendation you bestow upon it, I hope you will consider it at once your own." Paul, in his new happiness, at being flattered and admired, would have engaged to spend his best efforts for the gratification of the approving stranger, without either fee or reward.

Thank you, sir," replied the gentleman, the painful expression of grief, lately so visible on his countenance, fading into a smile of benevolent satisfaction, as he marked the flush of pleasure his notice had raised on the young man's expressive countenance, the modest triumph which beamed in his dark eye-" and will you let me ask another favour of you?"

"I can only receive at your hands, sir," replied Paul, deferentially; "I cannot imagine it in my power to confer any favour upon you."

This modest speech completed the young artist's conquest over the old gentleman's heart. He had been fascinated by the picture, the mystery of whose charm will be hereafter divulged; he had been next much struck by the quiet, gentlemanly air of the young man, upon first accosting him, and had at once felt anxious to show his approbation in some more impressive manner than by simply remunerating him for what was so exceedingly desirable to himself.

In this case, the whole air and appearance of his new protégé in perspective were so very prepossessing, his pleasing voice, his politeness, which appeared to force its way through his reserve, so gratifying, that they seemed to stand forward as guarantee for his worth; and the old gentleman felt no misgivings as to the wisdom of giving the reins to his benevolent fancy, when he went on to say, that the favour he wished to beg of Mr. Churchill was to be allowed the pleasure of his acquaintance; and in Colouring with pleasure and embarrassment, order to do this he requested him to join his Paul took off his hat as the gentleman advanced family circle at dinner the next day. I cannot towards him, and grasping his hand, said-promise you," continued the old gentleman, "any “Allow me, sir, although I have not the plea of the attractions of gay society. Our fire-side sure of your acquaintance, to thank you for the is not now the abode of mirth and merriment; gratifying surprise I have this morning enjoyed but you will find warm hearts among us; and through your instrumentality. May I take the this (pointing to the picture) will, of itself, inliberty of asking whether this picture be the sure you a welcome." likeness of an individual, or if it be merely the creation of your own fancy?"

Paul hesitated a moment; but as (though he well recollected having been especially inspired by the beauty of an individual) he yet knew himself guiltless of any intention to attempt a copy, having, on the contrary, as we have seen, carefully avoided similarity as much as possible, he replied "No, sir, it is no likeness, except of the vision conjured up by my own imagination!"

"Indeed!" said the gentleman. "Strange, very strange the resemblance is complete, almost without a single line of variation. My dear sir, you must allow me to make that picture my own. I will not ask the price; to me it is beyond price! I trust no one has established a prior right to it?"

66

With almost as much surprise as pleasure, Paul received from the hand of the speaker a card, on which were written his name and place of residence, and without waiting one moment to consider whether he had any engagement for the day, accepted the invitation with the most animated readiness.

CHAPTER V.

Whether Paul was quite sure, as he took his way homeward, that he was not treading upon air; whether he realized that there were but the same paved streets which he had traversed with a slow step and heavy heart, only a short portion of an hour before, we will not undertake to determine, Of one thing he felt certain, if all

without and about him were indeed the same,, does the silent homage of a look always require

there had been a considerable change wrought in the inner man.

Paul had not the heart to withhold from his mother the gratification of learning some of the events of the morning, although as well from modesty as a prudent apprehension, lest her sanguine feelings might build too much upon them, he gave as sober a colouring to his recital as was possible in his excited state of mind; while she, with a tact rendered keen by her watchful affection, forbore to make the many animated comments which sprang to her lips; and perceiving that he wished to control as well as disguise his own delight, confined her triumph to quietly remarking, that she always knew the picture would be admired as soon as it should be seen by one who possessed a real knowledge and taste for such things.

Not much was accomplished by Paul during the rest of the day; he tried to sober himself somewhat by turning his attention to his usual employments; but by no means could he settle himself to anything. There seemed to be just then a pause in his life, and he felt that all now in his power was to wait with as much patience as he could gather, to see whether Fortune really meant anything by her late kind looks and words.

the aid of language to render it intelligible. No; there are not many "such dull maids, to whom it must in terms be said," that an eye beaming with genius had fixed upon her beauty its worshipping gaze. Esther had not been blind to the evident admiration shown for her, it seemed, in spite of himself, by an individual of very striking appearance, whom she had met each time she visited the exhibition-room; and although the circumstance had quite passed from her mind, the sight of Paul soon brought it back.

Mr. Bingham, however, entirely unconscious of the mysterious acquaintanceship already existing between his daughter and his young friend, and being neither surprised nor embarrassed, immediately introduced some topic of conversation which he thought Paul likely to be acquainted with, and in the kindest manner endeavoured to make him feel at home. Just as Paul was beginning to control himself a little, Mrs. Bingham left the room; and Mr. Bingham, who probably had been waiting for this opportunity, now making some excuse to send his daughter out also, immediately began to explain to him, why the picture, "a most desirable possession to any one, on account of the genius it displayed," was to him so great a treaThe next day, at the appointed hour, Paul sure. "It chanced," he said, to be a most made his appearance before the house desig- striking likeness of a beloved child, Esther's nated on the stranger's card. The bell sounded only sister, who, although resembling her at his touch, and the door was opened by a ser- closely in feature and outline, differed entirely vant, who ushered him up stairs into a large in colouring and expression. She was taken and handsomely furnished drawing-room. His from us," he continued, with a deep sigh," and new friend, who was sitting on one side of the time having somewhat softened the grief which fire-place, rose instantly to greet him, shook was at first so stunning in its effects, it has his hand cordially, and, leading him to a lady been a subject of great regret in our diminished on the opposite side, apparently somewhat ad- circle, that no copy remained of the lovely and vanced in life, and whose mild but saddened beloved creature besides that imprinted on our countenance suited well with the sombre trap-sorrowing hearts. Esther, who is an enthu pings of woe in which she was arrayed, he an-siastic admirer of your charming art, and no nounced him as the gentleman, the pleasure of whose company at dinner he had promised her. He then turned towards a window, where, almost entirely concealed by the folds of a curtain, sat another lady, whose position only permitted a small portion of her dress to be visible. Esther, my love!" said he, come and join your mother and myself in thanking Mr. Churchill for the invaluable possession which we owe to him." At these words, the young lady came forward. Paul with the utmost difficulty commanded himself so far as to suppress an exclamation of surprise and delight. It was his beautiful Incognita !

66

66

Notwithstanding his best efforts, however, his perturbation could not be entirely concealed from the fair cause, while his heightened colour was, in a manner, reflected in the blush which ornamented her smooth and polished cheek; nor was it only his evident agitation which induced a responsive tremor in the usually calm and placid demeanor of the lovely Esther; his appearance was not entirely strange to her-for, sooth to say, woman does not often fail to take note of the impression made by her charms, nor |

contemptible proficient herself, has made several attempts, but her trembling hand was not equal to the task; and however faithfully memory called up the wished-for resemblance, she never could satisfy herself in the execution. It was too evidently a very painful effort; and even while I most ardently desired this mute representation of the one whose cheerful voice once made such music to my poor doting heart, I yet felt it proper to dissuade my remaining treasure from this injurious tax upon her delicate and depressed feelings. Your picture struck me accidentally in passing the shop where it was placed, and, on taking it home with me, my wife and daughter both bestowed upon it the same unqualified approbation-alternately weeping and rejoicing over it; but," continued Mr. Bingham, 'the more I think of it, the more I am surprised, that without having seen my dear lost one, your pencil, my dear sir, should have portrayed her looks with such admirable precision."

Fortunately for our embarrassed hero, before he could be expected to make any answer, the ladies returned to the drawing-room; the con

versation was of course changed, and after awhile dinner was announced.

66

breathed into her ear a detail of the struggle he had so long maintained with himself, and told her how the ardent admiration inspired by herself had guided his pencil-how the deep respect which mingled with that admiration had led him so to fashion his work as to give it the form most attractive to her heart, she gave herself up to the sweet thought that destiny itself had possessed him of the master-key to her affections, and that the companion of her childhood smiled on the new bond.

The fortunate picture met with many admirers. Paul's time no longer seemed the useless, unprofitable possession he had once thought it; and while he eagerly seized every opportunity of listening to the silver tones of his mistress's voice, and drinking inspiration from her kindling eye, all his other hours were not merely spent in idle exultation over his happiness, but were made to give a strict account of themselves.

ing him that he had once protested against making any farther advances to the fair sex, than the endeavour to represent them on canvas, yet (seeing that he had become of late particularly placable) she made up for these jokes by declaring, as she affectionately kissed her new daughter, that she "had no idea how selfish a part she was acting, when she had urged her son to marry!”

Whether Paul, being somewhat of a genius, and therefore subject, as might be supposed, to its whims and vagaries, was so unlucky as to possess that particular antipathy to seeing a woman eat," which is said to have disturbed Lord Byron's domestic peace, cannot be exactly ascertained; but it may be imagined, that either he was happily insensible on this point, or else that the charming Esther displayed some peculiar grace in going through this ceremony, so necessary to frail mortality, inasmuch as although he sate opposite to her at the table, and even assisted in furnishing her plate with the terrestrial compound whereby her seemingly angelic form was to be sustained during the day, the closest observer could not, we believe, have detected any diminution in the admiration which showed itself in every turn in his tell-tale eye; nor could it be said that any admissible opportunity was lost by him of drinking in the sweet Mrs. Churchill no longer felt it incumbent on looks and almost sweeter words, with which his her to keep silence, nor did Paul now shake his lovely vis-à-vis fanned the flame that had so head when she predicted good fortune to him; long smouldered in his breast. We will not, and although the gratified mother could not however, undertake to deny that this and such-refrain from teazing her son a little by remindlike opportunities of association, may in course of time have been in a manner the means of putting our enthusiastic adorer so much at his ease with the object of his idolatry, as to enable him to give utterance to the feelings he had once thought it absolute madness to entertain. And what may be considered still more surprising, we have it from good authority, that she, instead of resenting this extraordinary liberty, so far put aside her dignity as to admit the possibility of her being rather gratified by his assumption; nay, it is whispered, and as subsequent events proved correctly, that she suffered herself to be surprised into a hesitating, somewhat incoherent avowal, that her own gentle and loving heart, being no longer in her possession, she would have no very decided objection to accept of his; which she farther hinted, she might at some future time consider quite a sufficient substitute. Our hero had made his way into Esther's good graces by the straightest and smoothest of roads, her family affection. The memory of her beloved sister seemed entwined with their first introduction to each other--every courteous word she spoke to him, a tribute of that beloved one. And although the unspoken admiration which, as we have said, was not entirely unobserved by her some time before, might have had some share in the smile with which she first received his embarrassed saluation-the tear which stole down her lovely cheek, as they together examined and dwelt upon the several beauties of the precious picture, had its source in a far deeper as well as holier feeling; a feeling which, while it made her tenfold more attractive in the eyes of her entranced admirer, at the same time declared her softened heart ready for a deep impression. And when she listened to Paul's history of the train of feeling that had conjured up the lovely image before them; when he

SONNET.-AFTON DOWN, ISLE OF

WIGHT.

BY CALDER CAMPBELL.

High on the mountains, up above the sea,
With o'er me Heaven's own sky, and nought be-

tween

That fills the soul with adoration. Bee
But some bright-colour'd cloud-a gorgeous scene,

Or songful bird, scarce comes so high; yet green
The Downs extend; while 'neath them sunnily
Now stretcheth the calm main; Freshwater Bay,
And Allum Bay, and Scratchell's, where have been
Great thinkers-wandering men from far away-
To view our marvellous isle. Behind yon screen
Of withered furze, the downward eye beholds

The winding Yar, upstarting 'mid rich fields;
And while the sun's declining glory gilds
Sea, shore, and cliff, quiet peace the soul enfolds.
Sept., 1844.

EPIGRAM.

Fortune, the maid, is blind they say-
Hence then we clearly see
The reason how she's led astray,
The slave of vice to be.

J. J. R.