opportunity, the hour, had all combined nearly to lead him into saying what he had resolved should never pass his lips, until his circumstances were such as to prove that mercenary motives had no influence over him.

I am not going to defend him for his scruples and hesitations; when a man is satisfied of the purity of his motives, and the strength of his affection, I see no reason why he should not follow his wishes in addressing a woman, even if she have the misfortune to be owner at present, or in prospect, of money which he cannot equal. Could he only satisfy himself that were their fortunes reversed, she would still be his choice, he need not surely debate the question farther.

On this point, Astley was quite clear; and, for my own part, I think it was

VOL. I.

L

rather unreasonable of Mr. Frank Denys to interpose more scruples of delicacy than the young man felt himself.

Flora had the option of refusing him, if he made the offer; she certainly had no power of making advances, without lowering her dignity; and he might consider himself very fortunate, if, whilst he was debating from fear, or delicacy, or indecision, she did not, as so many women have done, throw away their chances of mutual happiness, through wounded female pride, and piqued maidenly feeling.

One thing Astley inquired, who was Mrs. Woodbridge? She had not been there when he left Malvern; he bad only made her acquaintance that morning at breakfast.

of her?

What did Flora know

"Pretty nearly as much as of any body

else," said Flora; "she was a pleasant, handsome, matronly looking woman, sister to Mr. Graham the clergyman. She was believed to be a widow, and she seemed to have plenty of money; she had arrived two or three days ago, had soon made herself popular and at home; and," Flora added, laughing, "if it were not horridly vulgar, and like Mrs. Alder, to suggest such things, I should say she would make an excellent wife for Mr. Hamilton; only I believe he is too much engrossed by the geology and conchology of the world before the flood, to care for anything so modern and unfossilized as Mrs. Woodbridge."

Astley felt that, after this speech, he could defy Miss Grant's worst insinuations, and scorn all her machinations. Flora would not have spoken in this way had she enter

tained the feelings he had dreaded. His face and manner brightened, and he became completely like himself. He did not, however, know all Miss Grant could do!

CHAPTER VIII.

She told of the magnolia spread
High as a cloud-high over head;

The cypress and her spire;

Of flowers, that with one scarlet gleam
Cover a hundred leagues, and seem

To set the hills on fire.

WORDSWORTH.

THE evening was hot, bright, and calm, when most of the party assembled punctually in the porch, prepared for starting, at twenty minutes before eight. Mrs. Woodbridge, with prudent caution, had recommended each