his having real claims on them, besides the nominal relationship which had always existed.

He and Flora could not go on

as make-believe cousins all their lives, and it was as well to consider what would come

next.

Astley hesitated, not as to his wishes, but as to whether he should express

them.

"If your uncle would come home and settle something on you, Astley," said Mr. Denys, "you might marry, but you cannot afford it now."

"He always said he would," was the young

man's answer.

"Well! one thing remember; if you go with Mrs. Denys to Malvern, you are not to make love to Flora until that point is settled."

That would be rather hard on me, if

I wished it," observed Astley, smiling, "she would be sure to have admirers at any public place, and why must not I try my chance ?"

"Well, that is true," answered Mr. Denys, who was one of those facile people, constantly governed by the last word spoken, "only remember, if you do, I will not consent to her marrying you, so long as I am her guardian."

Astley was silent.

"It will not be much longer; after that I will not interfere. I leave it to your

honour entirely, Astley.

If you think it

best under change of

circumstances, I

shall not blame you; only remember, I had much rather you should not engage her, so long as I am responsible;

un

less, indeed you had a fortune equal to

hers."

"We shall see what my uncle will do," thought Astley, and then they went up stairs, when he told his aunt it was quite settled that he should go with them.

CHAPTER II.

Fair scenes for childhood's opening bloom,
For sportive youth to stray in ;

For manhood to enjoy his strength,
And age to wear away in!

WORDSWORTH.

EVERYBODY, with the slightest experience of the world, knows the value of appearance, and understands instinctively the difference that it makes in the character and respectability of individuals, whether they sweep up to the door of a house in a smart carriage with a pair of horses, attended by liveried

servants, and other outward pomps, or whether they creep along quietly, in a sober and shabby fly, with no one but the driver to let down the steps, and only a maid to look after the luggage.

Such, owing to untoward and unpropitious events, was, however, the début which my heroine made at Malvern. Instead of driving from Spetchley in their own britschka, Mrs. Denys and her daughter had to be content with the slow progress of a one-horse fly, which deposited them safely, if not speedily, at the porch of the large building now for a time destined to form their home.

Who were these new-comers was, of course, a matter of speculation amongst the old inhabitants of that hydropathic establishment, the style of the vehicle which brought them, naturally regulating the waiter's conduct, and modifying the opinions of the spectators.