pear, I needed some studies of heads, and as we have shown, is a volume full of anec(looking round upon the painters)-I have succeeded perfectly; I have found them: Madame, I have the honor to wish you good night."

We must pause at this point-not for want of matter, but in fairness to the author. Here,

From Chambers's Journal.
ORPHAN WINNY.

dote and gossip, character and humor. Some of the stories are doubtful: many of the facts and figures are open to correction. But the amusing interest of the book is independent of the exactness of facts.

Grey mamma, and yet one of the children was dressed in deep mourning, while the other wore a frock of bright crimson. A fine curly IN travelling through the north of Scotland, headed boy, of four years old, in his night endeavoring to find out a relation who had gown, ready for bed, sat by the fire teaching some years previously settled in that part of the kitten her letters a kind of catechism the world, or, failing in this, to obtain a situa- which could only have occurred to a child of tion as governess, my inquiries led occasion- his age. I could not help remarking the imally to strange recitals concerning circum- aginative employments of the children, at the stances and individuals, that might have suited same time asking Mrs. Grey if the little girls well for the foundation of many a romance-were twins. proving the oft, though never too often re- "O no,” replied she; "they are not the peated adage, that "truth is stranger than same mother's children." fiction." In that bleak and singularly shaped town Peterhead, whose harbors run, like the jaws of a sword-fish, into the sea, I had occasion to take up my abode for some time at the house of one Abel Grey, who, with moderate custom, and great prudence, maintained his family in much respectability. Of course he had an admirable coadjutor in his good and industrious wife, who managed her little house- "Poor child!" I exclaimed; "but she hold with a methodical judgment and in a seems to have found a kind relation in you, simple sway I have rarely seen equalled. His Mrs. Grey." shop, merely a clothier's-for some thirty "No relation," replied that good woman: years ago, men did not, as now, monopolize "I doubt whether Winny has a relation in every branch of business under one roof-the world."

"Indeed!" I exclaimed in some surprise; "and yet they both call you mamma?"

Yes," replied Mrs. Grey, pointing to the child in mourning, "but Winny's mother is dead;" and the child, as if catching the words, ceased her play, and turned her beautiful dark eyes full upon me, as if to say: "Pity me!"

was, I remember well, on the right hand side "You quite interest me about the little of the passage on entering, and the parlor ex- creature," said I; "would it be too great a actly opposite; and surely it was the most liberty to inquire her history?" comfortable little parlor in the world! At "I don't know much of it," said Mrs. Grey; least I thought so, when, after a freezing ride" and what I do know, I have been cautioned on the outside of the coach from Aberdeen, not to reveal. She has been confided to my my landlady for I had taken a small bed-care by a gentleman who has adopted her: room and sitting-room on the first floor-sent he is extremely fond of her, and no doubt up a polite request that I would join the fami- will give her a good education, to fit her for ly at tea. Every corner of the room was illu- a governess, or some such desirable employminated by that most cheerful of all lights, a ment."

blazing fire, and revealed, what perhaps shows Alas for the desirableness of such an emthe hospitality of a good Scotch housewife ployment! Had simple Mrs. Grey known as more than anything else, a tea-table covered much of the drudgery of a governess's life as with abundance of good things. Remember- I did, she would have found some other word ing, as I did, the scanty supply of thin bread by which to qualify it. The postman's knock and butter, which, with a decoction of very interrupted our conversation. "I shouldn't pale hyson and cerulean milk, make up a wonder," said Mrs. Grey, "if that is a letter London tea, I was enchanted with the Land from Captain Singleton ;" and almost the next of Cakes-recollect, good reader, I was a minute her husband entered from the shop, conhungry outside passenger-which could thus firming the supposition. receive a stranger as an honored guest.

In one corner of the room were two little girls, apparently of the same age, busily employed in hushing a doll to sleep, and making ready its tiny cradle; they both called Mrs.

"Winny," said Mr. Grey to the little girl, "come here, my pet, and tell me what would please you most."

"What, most of all-of everything?" asked the child, looking wistfully in his face, as if she

believed for a moment in his power to grant her wish.

"Yes; what in all the world could happen to please you best?"

"O that dear mamma could come back again!" said the child, with painfully touching

earnestness.

"Nay, Winny," said Mrs. Grey, after a moment of deep silence, caused by the unexpect ed reply of the child: "that is contrary to your little prayer at night, and which you tell me you say from your heart-" Thy will be done."

"When peace was declared, I found it somewhat difficult, being a second son, to subsist upon half-pay only. The trifling addition of a pension for an awkward wound at Waterloo, could scarcely eke out my scanty income sufficiently to meet my expenses, which, without being extravagant, had involved me in debt. Perhaps I may as well mention here, that before the battle I had engaged myself to a lovely girl, whose faith I had no cause to doubt, and who seemed formed to make earth a paradise; but my Eve was tempted! Returning home, proud of the laurels won in defence of my country-glorying in the wounds that brought safety to those I loved-with joyous exultation, I hastened to claim my reward for every peril-my own, my lovely bride"Quite right, my darling," said Mr. Grey, when the news was brought me that my elder caressing her: "never fear to tell us all your brother, on whom the estate had devolved by thoughts and wishes. But Winny is too good and grateful not to be happy that Captain Singleton is coming to see her to-morrow?" "Dear Papa Singleton!" said Winny, brightening through her tears-" he'll let me talk about mamma, and sing the songs she taught me."

"But I do wish dear mamma were alive again," said the child, beginning to sob. "And it would be wicked to deny it, for mamma said God wouldn't love me if told a lie."

And who was this mamma, thought I, whose memory seems thus to engross the very "abundance" of the little orphan's heart? A day or two revealed to me her sad story.

the death of my father, had, during my absence, wooed and won her! I should not have alluded to this piece of perfidy, which changed the whole current of my thoughts and feelings, were it not, perhaps, an excuse for the careless life I led some time afterwards.

"I started off no one knew whither, and half resolved that my family should never hear of me again. I assumed the name of Bondbroke, and commenced a roaming life, mentally decided to be indifferent to everything. Captain Singleton, the gentleman who had But, in reality, I was never intended for a citadopted Winny, arrived on the following izen of the world. In spite of my determiday. He appeared to be exceedingly delight-nation to be apathetic, there were persons and ed with his little protégée, who hovered about circumstances continually making claims upon him with an affection which was well calcu- my sympathies and affections; and as I had lated to secure his love. He came to the town not the means of being generous, this was exfor no other purpose than to see her, and ceedingly painful to me: indeed my supply of therefore spent the greater portion of his time money was so limited, as to render it expeat Abel Grey's, merely sleeping at the George dient that I should devise some way of inInn, at the top of the street. The manners creasing my store. At last, while sojourning of Captain Singleton were so agreeable and in one of these Scottish towns, I resolved to gentlemanly, that I almost fancied I had met receive pupils in fencing and drawing, and for with an old friend. Mrs. Grey being obliged to attend to household duties, occasioned several tete-a-tetes between us, and during one of these he acquainted me with the circumstances which led to his adoption of Winifred Brockley.

that purpose issued cards; but finding the town too small to answer my purpose, I thought of seeking my fortune on a wider field. Accordingly, I packed up my baggage, took an outside scat on the mail, and started one winter's morning for Elgin, intending to make that This drifting sleet," said Captain Single- my halting-place. It was severe weather, and ton one day after dinner, as we completed our the roads were cut out of the snow, which lay third game at chess, in the absence of Mr. piled on each side as high as the roof of the and Mrs. Grey and the children who were em- coach. As we were proceeding slowly up a ployed elsewhere" reminds me of that storm, hill, I perceived some travellers on foot before now twelve months ago, when I first saw Win- us. They consisted of two men, a woman, ny. As you seem to take an interest in the and a little girl; the sleet was beating in their little creature, I-that is, if you have patience faces, and the mother had drawn the end of for a narrative in which I must necessarily be her shawl as a veil over the child's bonnet, in egotistical, and recount some of my own ad- an attempt to shield her from the weather, as ventures I will give you a sketch of Winny's she led her by the hand up the hill. The history." party paused as the coach overtook them. I assured him he would confer a favor that" Coachman," said on of the young men, perwould be highly gratifying to me; and he pro-ceiving that there was plenty of outside room, ceeded.

"what will you charge for this lady and little | cals when with my regiment, I wondered that girl to Elgin?"

"Ten shillings," said the man.

The funds of the party were compared, and were evidently insufficient; the lady also appeared unwilling to avail herself of the contributions of her companions, though most anx-cess. ious to procure a seat for the child.

"What is the least you will take my little girl for?" she asked.

"Why, three-and-sixpence," replied the coachman-" no less; so be sharp-we can't stay here all night."

"Oh, I am so glad!" exclaimed the mother, lifting the child in her arms. Now, darling, I don't care for myself, so that you can ride.” "But I can walk quite well, dear mammaI am not tired," said the child, evidently unhappy at the idea of being separated from her mother.

the idea of trying the stage had never occurred to me. Here, however, was an opportunity; and I resolved on offering my services to the Manager for an appearance or two, my future engagement to depend upon my sucThe thought was exhilarating; and my dreams were filled with visions of surpassing Kemble, and acting in London under my own name, to the infinite mortification of my proud relatives.

"Next day, I made my promised call, but was informed that the lady and the little girl were gone to rehearsal. I was right, thenshe was an actress. I left my card, intimating that I would take the liberty of calling at an earlier hour on the following morning. Of course, that night I went to the theatre-a neat, temporary place, fitted up in the townhall -and took my seat in what were called Had I not been interested in the scene, the boxes, which were the front benches, parcommon humanity would have prompted me titioned off from the rest. The comedy comto interfere. "Madam," I said, "oblige me menced, and enter Lady Grace-the identiby occupying this seat next me; for your lit- cal person whom I had buttoned up in the tle girl's sake, who evidently will not come guard's top-coat of many capes! Her appearwithout you; I must insist upon it." I spoke ance and manner were admirably suited to the decidedly, holding out my hand at the same character; she was evidently a gentlewoman. time to assist her; the coachman was in a Indeed there was much good acting in the hurry, and the next instant the lady and her play; at the conclusion of which, the curtain child were seated beside me. The guard was again drawn up, the orchestra played a threw them an extra top-coat he had stowed symphony, and the little girl, for whom so away in the boot. I buttoned them both up many had been interested on her weary way in it, and under the shelter of my umbrella, in the snow-storm, came forward to sing. She they were comparatively comfortable. I could was the very impersonation of the pictures not help wondering who my companions were; and statuettes of Little Red Ridinghood,' but the severity of the storm prevented much wearing a short red cloak, and her beautiful conversation; the child, being wrapped up little feet bare. How picturesque she looked! warmly fell asleep, and the mamma seemed in- The audience welcomed the tiny vocalist with clined to be silent. On arriving at Elgin enthusiasm. Her sweet voice, joined to the about seven o'clock, the lady expressed a wish simple words of her songto procure a private lodging; I insisted on accompanying her in the search; so giving her my arm, and my hand to the little girl, sallied forth with my new acquaintances, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing them comfortably established in two very neat apartments. I then took my leave, without even knowing the name of those for whom I was so interested, but not without obtaining permission to wait upon them on the following morning. Sauntering back to my hotel, I was attracted by the exhibition of a bill in a shopwindow, announcing the opening of a theatre. was so full of pathos so, to me, descriptive It instantly struck me that my roadside friends of the child's real situation, that I, with the rest must be part of the corps dramatique. The of the audience, was completely carried out of season was to commence on the following the mimic scene, and she concluded her song night with the comedy of the Provoked Hus- amidst a shower of silver. This was scarcely band; Lady Grace by Mrs. Brockley; and pardonable, but it was irresistible. In my the song of Over the Mountain and Over the after-acquaintance with Mrs. Brockley, I often Moor, between the play and farce, by Miss entreated her to let Winny sing that song on Brockley. I felt a strong presentiment that the stage again; but her honest, independent these were my new friends; and recollecting pride would never consent to it—she had not how successful I had been in private theatri- calculated on such a result. Next morning, I

Over the mountain, and over the moor,
Hungry and barefoot I wander forlorn;
My father is dead, and my mother is poor,
And she weeps for the days that can never return:
then her beseeching manner, with clasped
hands, as she finished the verse:-
Cold blows the wind, and the night's coming on;
Pity, kind gentlefolks, friends to humanity;
Give me some food for my mother, in charity;
Give me some food, and then I'll be gone,

as

spent a pleasant hour with Mrs. Brockley and that the same insidious malady (consumption) her little daughter, and escorted them to re- which had brought her husband to an early hearsal, when I sent in my card to the mana- grave, would shortly make Winny an orphan; ger, obtained an interview, and, apparently to and her dying prayer would be, that her daughhis great satisfaction, arranged to appear as ter might be snatched from a profession in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, about a fortnight which her husband and herself-perhaps from the commencement of the season. But a just punishment for their imprudence my plans were doomed to be frustrated. How- had suffered so much misery. As I had ample ever, in the mean time, I became greatly inter- leisure, and still felt the same extraordinary ested in Mrs. Brockley's affairs. She told me interest in little Winny- an interest which -and I may repeat her history in a few the circumstances I have detailed can scarcely words that, born in India, she was placed warrant, and which, I confess, is a mysat a boarding-school in England, and becom- tery to myself I started for the north. ing acquainted with Mr. Brockley, a younger The company of strollers were acting in this son, whose father insisted on his marrying a town, and Mrs. Brockley fortunately occupied rich widow, many years older than himself, a Mrs. Grey's apartments: fortunately-I ought, romantic attachment ensued, which terminated perhaps, to say providentially-for the exin a private marriage, and finally, to avoid the ceeding kindness of that excellent woman did wrath of his father, an elopement. But their much to smooth the pillow of the sufferer. rash union brought nothing but misery; their I had the satisfaction of arriving in time to means were soon exhausted and utterly calm the anxiety of the dying mother; a smile abandoned by her own and her husband's re- for an instant seemed to roll back the curtain lations to save themselves from beggary, which death was dropping over the face, and they had embraced the theatrical profession. endeavoring to press my hand, her last words Placed in a position for which they had little were: "Protect my little darling orphan Wintalent and less liking, yet unable to extricate ny!" At first, I thought the child would inthemselves from it, the fatigue, vexations, ex- evitably follow her mother to the grave; her citement, and privations of the precarious life heart seemed breaking in continual sobs for they had chosen, at length threw her husband" dear mamma;" but Mrs. Grey's care won into a decline, which, after long suffering, ter- the little creature from her incessant grief. It minated his existence amidst poverty and sor- seemed desirable to leave her here for a short row. Left with her little daughter, who time; the society of the children would prove evinced extraordinary talent for the stage, the the most natural cure for her sorrow, young widow, without any friend to advise could then devise such arrangements as were what was best to be done, was still struggling best suited for bringing my little protégée home: on in a strolling company, compelled, as I had it is for that purpose my present visit is paid. witnessed, even in the depth of winter, to ac- I perceive that Winny has become attached to complish her journey on foot. Alas! this was Mr. and Mrs. Grey and the children; and I fear, a picture of the poor player, who struts and from her affectionate disposition, should she frets his hour upon the stage,' which had never remain longer here, the separation would be before been exhibited to me, and yet it was too painful, and confirm a shade of melancholy from the life. I confess it disenchanted all my in the character of my intended-to-be brilliant previously conceived visions of the careless little Winny." joyousness of an actor's life; however, I flat- Captain Singleton had conceived a strong tered myself that the success of my début prejudice against Winny's being sent to school, would place me in a very different position; arising, probably from the unhappy circumbut, within two days of that event, a letter from stance of her mother's imprudent elopement. my agent in town informed me that my We had much conversation on the subject, rebrother had been thrown from his horse and sulting in my accepting the situation of govkilled on the spot, and as he died childless, the erness to Miss Brockley. This was an unexestate devolved upon me. I had parted from pected and happy event for me, who had been my brother in wrath, and I was inexpressibly long dependant on my own exertions as a shocked at the suddenness of this catastrophe. mere drudging, unassisted teacher; while That night I took my place by the mail for masters were to be engaged, and no expense London; and on bidding farewell to the spared to make my pupil as accomplished and Brockleys, entreated permission to be responsible for the expenses of Winny's education, and to be considered a friend on every emer

gency.

"Some months after this, my own affairs having been easily arranged, I received a letter from Mrs. Brockley, expressing her fears

and I

elegant as she was beautiful. It was a painful parting for Winny and the Greys: little Ellen cried bitterly, clasping the neck of her play-fellow, and the boy declared he would "go with Winny." Mrs. Grey prayed "Heaven to bless the little orphan;" but Abel took the child in his arms, now wrapped up warmly in

"pomp and pano

her furred cloak and hood, purchased the day far and near, came in full “
before for the journey by Captain Singleton, ply" to woo and win.
and carried her, that cold winter-morning, to
where the mail stood ready horsed, within five
minutes of starting.

66

Winny," said good Abel Grey, as he placed her beside her new guardian," there is little likelihood of my ever seeing you again, my pet, though I think I love you as well as either of my own children; but if anything should happen to make you unhappy or unfriended in this world, recollect there will always be a home for you with Abel Grey the

clothier."

Then Captain Singleton seemed to have formed a resolution: 'he positively prohibited a refusal, which Winny unhesitatingly and instantaneously would have given. I remember the scene well, for I was present. "Winny," said the captain, "I must exercise the author rity which-forgive the expression-my uniform care and kindness invest me with-and I insist on your giving a fair consideration to this young man's proposal. It has ever been my dearest wish that you should be properly settled in life, and here is an alliance offered The journey was not very speedily accom- which surpasses even my loftiest anticipations. plished in those days, but in due time we ar- Winny," continued he, in a tone almost of rived safely at Captain Singleton's estate in asperity, "it is my duty, as your guardian, to Devonshire. recommend your acceptance of young OakThe apartments commanding the finest dale." As he concluded, a deep blush crimprospect were appropriated to Winny, and soned to scarlet Winny's cheek and brow, adorned with everything calculated to excite followed instantly by a deathlike pallor, as her interest and admiration, in order that her she said in a low, determined voice: "Yesmind, as Captain Singleton expressed it, might you are my guardian, and I accept Mr. Oakbe clothed with the beautiful. I could see dale." Upon this, without a word, Captain that he was anxious to banish past scenes from Singleton rose and left the room. her memory; but this was not so easily accom- Next day, a note from Captain Singleton plished, for Winny, as her bright and appre- brought young Oakdale to the house; he hensive intellect expanded, would read poetry seemed a good-natured young man, but of in the most dramatic manner, kindling into little penetration, and was quite satisfied with an enthusiasm that would not unfrequently Winny's calm and even formal acceptance of betray her teachers into exclamations of ad- his proposal; but from this moment Winny's miration and applause. But memory shone cheerfulness was gone: even the cordiality most conspicuously in her love of old songs. and joyousness with which she had ever met Her musical acquirements were considerable, her benefactor, disappeared entirely from her both vocal and instrumental; yet after exe- manner. Captain Singleton, too, did not cuting with brilliant effect some fashionable seem to seek her society as heretofore, but, to Italian song of the day, Winny would love to all appearance, busied himself anxiously in sit by the window, and with no other accom- securing her the most ample provision out of paniment than the movement of the clouds, his own fortune, and making the most costly or the waving branches of the trees, sing the purchases as befitting presents for so distinold ballads taught her by her mother. Let it guished a bride as Winny was about to benot be supposed, however, that she was un-come. happy; she was much too good and affectionate for that, returning the lavish kindness of her benefactor with singular and engrossing devotion.

Time wore on, and the marriage was appointed to take place on Winny's eighteenth birthday, when, one morning, on entering her apartment suddenly, I found her alone, pale, and weeping, in the midst of wedding finery which her maid had been unpacking, and displaying for her admiration.

"

"Do

"What has happened, my dear Miss Brockley?' I said: 66 you seem unhappy." "O most unhappy!" she exclaimed, throwing herself weeping upon my bosom. you remember," she asked, "those words of Abel Grey when I was a little child: "If anything should happen to make me unhappy or unfriended, I should find a home with him?""

Winny was now seventeen, and had admirers from far and near-undeterred by any opposition from her guardian, who made it a point, apparently of constrained duty, to give every facility to such aspirants for her hand as were by character and circumstances considered unexceptionable. But a change seemed to come over the manners of my hitherto sweet and gracious Winny, for she not only instantly and peremptorily put a negative upon all such addresses, but was even at times pettish and harsh in her answers to her guardian's remonstrances on the subject. At last, young Augustus Oakdale, heir to the magnificent estate of Oakdale Hall, with a lineage from the Conquest, and possessions stretching am miserable."

66

Yes," I replied; "but you are placed in circumstances the very reverse of that." "Apparently so, perhaps, but, in reality, I