ruddock, and heaving a deep sigh, he appeared

as if relieved from a heavy weight of anxiety.

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Lucy will be very sorry when she hears her

request gave you pain, my dear father," said Laura, at the same time tenderly caressing Mr. Penruddock;" but forget it, and I promise you shall hear no more of her foolish fancy."

"Take one turn round your garden, my sweet Laura, and then come to me again."

Laura complied with her father's desire. When she again entered the apartment, she found him calm and composed; he was seated at a table, with some papers before him. When he saw his daughter, he rang and directed the servant to send Miss Moreton. Lucy obeyed the summons-half hope, half fear, for she always felt some awe mixed with affection for her benefactor.

"Sit down, Miss Moreton," said Mr. Penruddock. Lucy obeyed.

Lucy blushed, stammered, and hesitated. Mr. Penruddock waited very calmly, till she at last found words to acknowledge she had an inclination to visit the scene of her childhood. She had no relations to be sure; but probably she might meet some friend of her parents who for their sake would show civility to her. When Lucy finished speaking, Mr. Penruddock took a paper from the table, saying,

"This will secure you some attention, and procure you the comforts of life; this is an order on the bank at Benturn to pay you two hundred pounds yearly

Lucy started, and Laura gazed earnestly at her father, who continued,

"This sum shall be secured to you for life;

should

you have occasion for the principal, in the event of your marriage, by making application to Mr. Groves, arrangements shall be made accordingly as you may deem requisite."

Lucy had heard and seen so little of money matters, that she really did not understand Mr.

Penruddock, who waited a few moments for her to express her wishes, if she had any, on the subject; finding she remained silent, he made a slight movement, which was usual with him when he wished to be alone. Lucy, half-pleased and half-bewildered, as she rose from her chair attempted to speak her gratitude. Mr. Penruddock interrupted her, saying, "You are under no obligation to me, Lucy; on the contrary, I am indebted to you for the comfort you have been to my dear Laura. You have my sincere wishes for your happiness."

Lucy was retiring, when again she hesitated. "Have you any further request, Lucy?"

"Only, Sir-when would you wish me to return?'

Mr. Penruddock looked at her for a moment, then in a calm, low, but resolute voice, he answered, "Never!"

The effect of that single word was magical. Lucy sunk in the chair from which she had just risen, while Laura started from hers, and ex

claimed hastily "Never! oh no, papa,-you

cannot mean that?"

"When Miss Moreton leaves Astol Manor, she leaves it for ever!"

Lucy almost screamed with dismay.

"What will become of me, Mr. Penruddock? I have no friend but you, and Laura, and Mrs. Weston-no one in the wide world will care for me! Who will protect me?

"This paper, Lucy, will enable you to protect yourself; if this be not sufficient, more shall be provided."

Lucy was insensible to this consolation: she wished to visit the place she had some recollections of as being very gay and bustling—a change for a few weeks or so; but to leave Astol for ever-never return!-there was misery in the sound-leave the sweet, kind, affectionate girl who had been a sister to her, and Mrs. Weston who had been a mother to both; Mr. Penruddock too, though Lucy stood in awe of him, still she loved and respected her benefactor,-to leave

them all, she could not bear it. In an instant the whole scene was changed,—the idea of the town was hateful; the gaiety she faintly remembered detestable; the world was a wilderness, and happiness only to be found in her present isolated dwelling. As these thoughts rushed over her mind, a frightful picture of her future lonely prospect spread full before her, and leaning her head upon the table she wept bitterly.

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Lucy, my dear Lucy, do not weep so; papa will let you return if I entreat!"

'Do not deceive yourself and Lucy," said Mr. Penruddock, in rather a severe manner. "I will retire, Laura; comfort Lucy as much as you please, but do not mislead her, she will never return while I am master at Astol."

Mr. Penruddock was leaving the room, when Lucy started, and threw herself at his feet, entreating for mercy and forgiveness.

"You have not offended me, Lucy; but rise, I command you," said he ;-Lucy quickly obeyed, while he continued,-"I do not under