c lamentations over the "stray lamb who seemed prone to wonder;" and earnestly urging, nay, commanding her dear

er hearing the tale, appearances seemed to confirm it, for there sat Frances at the piano, playing ever and anon a few bars with one hand, and his lordship was leaning over her and speaking in whispers. Mrs. Hildyard had dozed asleep upon the sofa, her frequent habit after dinner, and Miss Mary Hildyard sat at the table underneath the light of the great chandelier, forming a wreath of flowers, intended,

he cried with asperity, the first time in her l

night?" inquire

lord," was th

ed Frances, as she slowly approached

favorite songs to-nig

n no mood f

nge at chess?" asked the

will excuse me, I

se his lordship soon walked himself off

ed. He told her to choose from the whole world-that he and her mother had but her happiness at heart, but she must choose a Roman Catholic. "I hope," h

re her eyes; but she turned her face, with its agitat

" proceeded Mr. Hildyard, "that a stop m