and many other advantages long desired by us-besides that of having some little society with other residents who will establish themselves here."

In their way from thence to Maple Bank, Mr Grey and Constance conversed about the progress of the new town. Mortimer was silent-struck by the alteration in his forest retreat, he pondered on its probable effect on Mr Grey's happiness and his own, repeating sadly these applicable lines

"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture in the lonely shore,
There is society where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but nature more.'

The works proceeded rapidly, however; an evident advance appeared in them from day to day, and in a short time several houses were habitable.

It might have been an interesting study to those who, like Mortimer, had leisure to philosophise on the progress of society, to observe the gradual rise from the rude beginnings of such a settlement into something like comfort and order. But he was well aware that amongst the emigrants must be many who would contribute little to the advance of order or social improvement-many very opposite in character to Pat O'Shaughnessy and his friend the woodcutter; he therefore looked every day with increasing distaste at the new town.

There were, however, some circumstances deserving of his approbation. The children of the artificers were instructed daily at a temporary school, and the Indians were encouraged, not only to exchange fish and game for necessaries and implements, but also to seek instruction for themselves and their children. A temporary place of worship was appointed till a church could be erected, and Mr and Mrs Grey had now the comfort of attending divine service, the privation of which they had been forced to submit to in consequence of their distance from church or pastor.

Mortimer no longer doubted the advantage of instruction to the poor Indian ;-the nature of his opinions had been essentially altered by his observations and reflections, and he now acknowledged, more than he ever before had done, the benefit of education to the lower orders, when prudently bestowed. Orderly habits and superior steadiness of principle were very apparent in such of the new settlers as had early

received education; and his thoughts frequently reverted to his excellent tenantry at Pool Basset, where he allowed that the efforts of his mother and of Constance for their instruction had been rewarded by marked success.

The influence of Mr Grey, as a magistrate, was early called into action by the self-willed but industrious colonists, and Mortimer was amused, and sometimes disgusted, at the scenes he witnessed; but his opinion of Mr Grey's judgment and benevolence was vastly heightened when he saw the mild firmness of his conduct; and he remarked to Constance that the emigrants were fortunate indeed, since they were obliged to leave their native soil, in being placed near one who was so calculated to influence them by his impartial justice, and by the kindness with which he encouraged them to industry and good conduct.

CHAPTER XXI.

Ye who would live

But in the service of mankind to be

A guardian god below; still to employ
The mind's brave ardour in our country's cause,
Such aim may raise us o'er the grov'lling herd,
And make us shine for ever-that is life.

THOMSON.

"I THINK," said Mortimer, one evening, after having spent the day at Maple Bank, "that I never have seen a more interesting person than Mrs Grey."

"Yes," replied Constance ; "hers is a singular and charming character. We know what she sacrificed in leaving her own country, and what difficulties she has to endure here, yet she is always cheerful and patient."

"I have often thought," said Mortimer, smiling, "that it is impossible to know intimately two such women as you, my Constance, and Amy Grey, without feeling a conviction of the truth of that religion which has so benign and salutary an influence on the hearts of both. I cannot doubt that her motives are elevated above the interests of this world. She makes no worldly profession of piety, but you see clearly that it is the principle of her actions, and her support under all trials."

"That is perfectly true," said Constance; "she has an unerring rule of conduct."

"Yes, it is so, when rightly used. There are some who talk of religion, but make it an abstract principle for the meditation of the closet only. I confess I think it more beneficial when we carry it about with us, because it must then influence our daily conduct; for, after all, as long as we are in this world, everything connected with its interests, whether duty or business, must occupy the largest portion of

our attention, and it is well when religion, as an every-day principle, can be applied to them. Now, that is what I like in the Greys; they make no display or profession, but their conduct and their sentiments evince their guiding principle."

Constance would not interrupt Mortimer, for she heard him with a delight which she could not express. She was silent, but her eyes told her thoughts.

"I understand your countenance," he continued; "yes, I have long known your deep anxiety about my opinions; I said to you a year ago, that my heart would gradually turn aright; and it has yielded, I trust, to conviction. You have been forbearing and patient, and therefore you have succeeded in effecting the change you wished. Had you attempted to force upon me even the most essential truths, all would have been lost."

"I feel assured," replied she, "that seeing religion practically exemplified in Mrs Grey's daily life, has been more efficacious than any arguments I could have used; how happy! that we were led to such friends-that we have the privilege of knowing them intimately!"

"Yes, my dear, I agree with you, that it is a real happiness to be near excellence; but the more sensible I am of the virtues of these friends, so much the more do I feel that I ought not to remain here."

Her heart sunk for a moment; what Ferdinand had said appeared incomprehensible; for she had imagined him. satisfied with his humble dwelling, and so much attached to the Greys, that it was possible he might not for some time again wish to wander. She had no dislike to travel; but after her recent tour, she liked the idea of home, and hoped to enjoy it undisturbedly in the society of Amy. While these thoughts passed rapidly across her mind, Mortimer paced up and down the room in silence. She felt that it was ominous of a new plan. After some pause, he resumed— "I am disappointed at the change which has taken place

Two thousand people settled in this neighbourhood will completely alter the character of this residence. The life here was so tranquil, so undisturbed, so peculiar and the friendly quiet intercourse with the Greys made us so happy! But now we shall have all the inconvenience of being near a town, without the advantages an established one might supply. We shall be surrounded by a set of miserable

emigrants, who have fled from the certainty of comforts easily earned at home, to a life of hardship and discomfort here." Constance sighed, and, after a short pause, he continued"A visit from the governor is expected too! and then will follow tiresome dinners and vulgar parties among these people, who will not have sense or discretion enough to abstain from idle visiting, and devote themselves to the objects for which they have come here."

"Probably," replied Constance, "the hope of some social intercourse without expense, to cheer this laborious life, already lessens the pain of banishment."

"However that may be, I am convinced this place will not suit us now; it is plain that we cannot here live to ourselves, for the social intercourse which you think will cheer the laborious farmer, will impose upon us also all those lesser social duties which are irksome, perhaps, even when they arise from the ties that bind us to home, but would certainly be infinitely more so here."

"But, on the other hand," said Constance, "if you think home but a name, dependent on circumstance-is it not the same thing whether you are obliged to fulfil those social duties to the inhabitants of one place as of another?"

"Yes, undoubtedly; and yet I have frequently thought of late, that in fulfilling all those duties there would be more satisfaction in the idea that the objects of your benevolence, of your kindness and condescension, were people attached by ties of gratitude and affection, such as must result from our old aristocratic establishments at home;-do not you think so?"

"I have no doubt of it, for my own part," said she; "however, I do think that should not discourage us even here; in every situation we have our duties, and may have such opportunities of exercising benevolence as cannot fail to attach us to the objects of it, and they to us."

Very possibly; but if we have the power of choice, my love, are not those to be preferred to whom we are bound by natural ties the ties and duties of home? I have reflected much on this subject for some time; and I see no great advantage to us in being here. To the farmer, it is a life of too great anxiety and bustle-to an independent man like me, it is a life of useless idleness."

"The idleness or the anxiety must depend on yourself,"