had forged a necromantic chain, whose magic properties were of most mysterious power.

"I did not mean," said he, in a voice unlike any that had ever sounded in her ears before, "I did not mean to commit this indiscretion. Thus betrayed, however, I am proud to acknowledge, that when I leave you, Miss Azledine, it will be with feelings which I dare not suppose are reciprocal. Pardon the inconsiderate confession! But you can now understand why I have stayed here too long, and why I must wish I had never come."

There was a dignity, a subdued composure, in his manner, as he uttered these words, more calculated to have made an impression upon a mind like Arabella's, than the most ardent and impassioned protestations. She certainly was not prepared for such a declaration; and as certainly, she was not displeased with it; for Aston was a man whose professed admiration of any woman was sufficient to raise her in her own esteem. Besides, she had caught no inconsiderable portion of Cameron's enthusiasm for his

character; and it was the simplest of all metamorphoses, for that which was enthusiasm in the brother, to change into something with a different name (though not differing much as to essential qualities) in the sister.

Nevertheless, she would have felt very grateful to Bertha, Caroline, her mother, anybody but Cameron, had either of them entered the room at that instant. No one came. Before she could determine which of half a dozen answers would be the most proper to make, Aston, who had watched her countenance, again addressed her.

"Could I persuade myself," he exclaimed, with a tender earnestness that was quite inhuman, on his part, "that this silence and this agitation spring from the emotions they seem to reveal, I might indeed rejoice at what I fear I must still call an indiscretion. But, Miss Azeldine, I presume to think, will not visit with her displeasure an offence redeemed by the homage it conveys to her virtues."

Arabella now rose from her chair. With as much self-possession as she could command, she

begged to be permitted to retire.

She looked

at Aston as she spoke. Their eyes met, and hers fell; then, with a faltering but not a hurried step, she quitted the room. Aston watched her as she withdrew, and thought he never beheld her half so lovely, half so resplendent, with bewitching modesty and grace. He stood for some moments gazing at the door, which remained partly open, as if he either expected to see her return, or fancied the bright vision still before him. At length he threw himself into the chair Arabella had quitted, and began a series of philosophical meditations.

CHAPTER XXVI.

You have said enough;

I understand you; but would have you know,
I will not force my daughter 'gainst her will.
I would not have her marry wealth, but love.

FORD.

OUR hero's philosophical meditations assumed something of the following catechetical form:

"Had he done wrong? Had he done right? Was not the declaration premature? Inconsiderate? Ridiculous? Improper ?" He confessed and denied each by turns. "Could he "What stop where he was ?" Certainly not.

He could not tell. ought he to do next ?" "Was he not a blockhead, to take the first step before he had fixed upon the second ?" There could be no doubt of it. “And Arabella-what might he rationally infer (love being at all

times a mighty rational affair) as to her sentiments towards him ?"

This question led him to a minute review of every little circumstance which had marked her conduct during their conversation; and, one by one, he fashioned them all to his wishes with a facility quite amazing, considering he was pursuing the investigation in so rational a manner. But most of all, he dwelt upon that look, that ineffable look, when their eyes met. He could not be mistaken. Her heart, her

very soul was in that look!

It would have

belied her tongue, had words of scorn and reproach fallen from her lips at the same instant.

He sat musing upon this said look in thrilling, silent ecstasy, till he could bear silent ecstasy no longer; so he suddenly exclaimed aloud, "No! by heavens! no! I am not, I cannot be deceived !"

"So much the better for you; but don't be too certain," said his friend Cameron, tapping him on the shoulder, who had caught his trout, and had entered the room unperceived, (about the middle of Aston's catechism,) where