CHAP. V.

Her form was fresher than the morning rose,

When the dew wets its leaves.

THOMSON.

THE soothing attention paid to Adeliza, and in particular by Lady Raby and the gentle Catherine, together with the artless and lively behaviour of the little Margaret, in a great degree contributed to restore, at least, serenity to the agitated bosom of our heroine. Enquiries had been made respecting the loss of the ship, in hopes

of

of hearing some palliating circumstances; but, alas! no such comparative relief was the result: on the contrary, all the first account was painfully corroborated. Nothing now remained but for her to endeavour to bear with fortitude her present distressful, and almost destitute condition.

Something it was necessary should now be determined upon. To take it for granted that she was to remain at Raby Castle, would have been equally idle and improper; but, without a friend, to whom could she apply for advice? In her present distress, whichever way she turned her thoughts, so many difficulties and embarrassments rose, as perplexed and confounded her; and the more she endeavoured to extricate herself, the more deeply she felt bewildered. Should she apply to the Countess in this exigency,

would

pro

would it not appear like soliciting her tection?-From this her pride revolted. Lady Jane was entirely out of the -question; for she always treated her with reserve-sometimes with a coldness bordering upon contempt; at least, so Adeliza's quick apprehension construed it. As to Lady Catherine, she, from the natural timidity of her disposition, was the last person in the world calculated to advise or direct her. The gentlemen of that family, though at all times perfectly civil, she could not take the liberty of consulting. The only person who might have assisted -her in this emergency, had been for some time absent from the Castle on unavoidable business. The person here alluded to, was Sir Armine Temple; and he was now expected daily. She had not, however, by any means, settled this in her own mind;

for,

for, although she had a high opinion of his judgment, she would, if possible, avoid laying herself under what might be deemed an obligation to him.

When Sir Armine arrived at the Castle, Adeliza, with Lady Margaret, were in the garden. As he alighted from his horse, he perceived them, and quickly joined them. Approaching Adeliza, with looks of transport

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My angel friend," said he, in an animated tone of voice," how delighted am I once more to have the felicity of beholding you? Tell me how you have been, and what you have been doing, and how you are at present? The last question-I must correct myself-was surely unnecessary; for you look angelically! By the power of Love, my eyes have beheld nothing but ugliness and deformity

since I left you. Those who before passed

as tolerable, I cannot now look upon with common patience, so all-commanding is Ah Adeliza! the effect of your charms!

lovely, incomparable girl! did you but know how dear to my heart you are with what a fervent passion I adore you!"

Stop here, Sir Armine," said Adeliza, attempting to force a smile, " and I will proceed for you;" at the same time imitating the amorous whine of his voice

"With adoration's fertile tears,

"With groans that thunder love, with sighs of fire."

"Now I will answer for myself, in the words of the same poet

"You men may say more, swear more-but indeed
"Your shows are more than will; for still you prove

"Much in your vows, but little in your love."

"I hope,"