Isabel Leicester

with shrubs, and adorned with flower-beds of different sizes and shapes; while in the centre there was a pond and fountain, with a weeping willow shading the

ich honeysuckle, clematis and roses, shed their sweet perfume. The grounds were tastefully laid out, with due regard to shade; and a grove of elm trees completely hid the house from the avenue: so that in approaching it from the main road,

him, she was exceedingly fond. These, to his great annoyance, were always carefully deposited in a glass on the dining-room table; for Isabel had remarked in his manner toward her more than mere politeness, and endeavored as much as possible to check his growing attentions. But all his acts of kindness were done with so much tact and consideration, as to leave her no alternative, and oblige her to receive them. Neither was there anything in his behaviour or conversation that she could complain of, or that others

rd, as he joined Isabel, Emily, and the children, in their ramble, one bright day in th

e, and that merry little Lucy is the spirit of fun. May will be here shortly. And the

Ada coming?"

; "but if you have not heard the 'latest,

sity," cried Emily, openi

is engaged to Mr. A

earth did you kno

gtons?" asked Emily. "H

own them as long as I can remember. Ada and I had the same

now Harry and th

quite like broth

ey expected?

ll I know. It was last Sunday Sir

n Park. Greetings were warmly exchanged, and then amid a cross-fire of questions and small talk, they proceeded to the house, where they foun

Lucy fairly shed tears, and every one seeme

d, as well as annoyed, to find people who had been very friendly, cool off perceptibly. This she attributed to the circumstance that she was 'only the governess.' Lady Ashton, especially, had been very anxious to be introduced to that "charming Miss Leicester;" and Isabel had afterwards heard her saying to a friend: "Well! you surprise me! So she is 'only the

too sensitive feelings. So it was with more pain than pleasure that she made one of the party to Ashton Park, having a presentiment that vexat

ned to suffer from annoyances of one kind or another. If there was a spooney, or country cousin, among the guests, Lady Ashton would be sure to bring him to Miss Leicester, and whisper her to amuse him if possible, and she would greatly oblige. So that Isabel scarcely ever enjoyed herself. Or just as some expedition was being arranged, Lady Ashton wo

s. Once Arthur Barrington had particularly requested her to do so, and even offered his own horse (as Lady Ashton had assured them that every horse that could carry a lady had already been appropriated), but his aunt interposed: "O my dear Arthur, if you would only be so good as to lend it to poor little

aunt, but"-b

entence, his aunt had informed Mary that he had kindly promised his horse.

er, he turned to Isabel, saying, "Will you come for a row on the lake, Miss Leicester, as our riding to-day is now out of the question, a

and Arthur went i

nstrated: "You know you were to be

ssed, I can't do less than devote my time th

he is 'only

re would she fe

with a sneer. "You can't take her

too prudent for that. Luc

ill ride w

und;" and he passed on toward Lucy, regardless of his aunt's displeasure. And he carried the day in spite of her, for she put in practice several little sch

last resource, pressed Sir John into service; but as he was a very quiet, statel

age, her large eyes flashing with anger, while her short, quick breathing, told of excitement and disquietude. "I have had such a dance to get here without observation," she panted forth. "Please let me stay a little while." And before Isabel could recover from her momentary surprise, Louisa had t

unhappy; and why do you see

uisa;" and burying her face in her hands, she cried bitterly. "I sometimes watch the company going to dinner, and that was how I came to see you; and I liked you the best of them all, and I wished so much to speak to you. So I managed to find out which was your room; but it was only to-day that I could get here, unknown to Miss Crosse. Won't you please tell me which of those young ladies Uncle Charles is going to marry.

elp you, dear?"

; for then, at least, I should have someone to speak to. I don't mind study,-only old Miss Crosse is s

"You err greatly, dear child, in thinking that I have any power to help you. I can only adv

e all you can wish, and everything nice, so it is easy t

Louisa. I only want you to make

elped, if you would on

e you may remain here while I do so, and I will tell you about a young lady that I know

Louisa, "I should

forced to gain her living as a governess. Think what she must have suffered, who never in her life had had a harsh or unkind word, and scarcely ever had a wish ungratified; but had been spoilt and petted at home, and courted and flattered abroad. Think what it must have been to go alone and friendless among strangers; to earn, by the irksome task of teaching, no more a year than she had bee

ied. And I'm sorry also for what I said about it being so easy to give advice. But why don't yo

you may know that others have their daily trials as well as yourself. Do not think, dear child, that I do not compassionate your sad lot; only try to remember the comforts which you do enjoy, notwithstanding the ills you

the passionate girl before her was indeed the same child who had sat at her side so meekly not a moment before. She no longer paid any attention to Louisa's complaints. Her thoughts were far away with the only one in whom she had ever seen this sudden transition from persuasive gentleness to stormy anger; for the proud, passionate girl brought him vividly to her mind, though the wide ocean rolled between them. She saw again the proud curling lip, and the dark expressive eyes, which one moment would beam on her in love, and the next flash with angry light and stern displeasure; the haughty mien and proud defiance, blended with a strange fascinating gentleness, that had won her heart. The time was present to her imagination, when with passionate entreaty he had urged upon her the necessity for a secret marriage, and in fondest accents impl

da about you, and perhaps she may be able to help you; but you really must not get i

pale?" asked Louisa, mournfully. "

nswered Isabel, kissing her "good-ni

her own mind that she had nearly frightened

ng better than to hear his own voice. However, this suited Isabel tolerably on this occasion, as an 'indeed,' or 'really,' was all that was needed by way of reply; and he was forced sometimes to stop to enable him to eat, and this kept him from being oppressive. But as he found her so good a listener, there was no getting rid of him; for when the gentlemen joined the ladies in the drawing-room, he devoted himself entirely to Miss Leicester-to Lucy's intense amusement. At last Ada grew compassionate, and got

deny that she felt it severely. But the warm welcome she received from the childr