without hesitation, offered his arm to Venetia, and whether from a secret sympathy with his wishes, or merely from some fortu

durcis has turned out?' inquired the young

most agreeable days I ev

rejoined his lordship; 'for m

'I never knew mamma in such good spirits. I think ever

turn lightened only

ributed to the happ

d you utter a complaint; the first that

ot be always

were, dear

a child

; yet I am happy, at leas

are both h

you made me miserable when you told me that you had chang

we all change, everything changes. This

s beautiful as t

t do you

beautiful as Venetia, a little

happiness,

; and when we make others happy

fluence, and I trust a

pon your influenc

n, be happ

ldhood; you were the charm that first taught me existence was enjoyment. Before I came to Cherbu

always too kind to me. Would

would not have our childhood back again, even with all its joys, for there are others yet in store for

lantagenet; I heard of you always with interes

tle girl, the very same who greeted me when I first arrived with my mother and behaved so naughtily! And when I saw you, and found what you had become, and w

t us again without emotion. I thought it told well for your heart,

a! can you doubt for a moment my feelings towards your home, and what influence must principally impel them? Am I so dull, or you

ays loved each ot

h this love; not

ia st

re it until you seemed to forget us, and then I thought it looked so foolish! You remember what is inscribed on it: 'TO VENETIA, FROM HER AFFECTIONA

not to be loved as a brother: and yet

h?' inquired Venetia,

arry me,' replie

tia, with a face of won

u, Plant

love you, and if you love m

calm, but in thought; and then she said, 'I never thought of marriage in my life, P

all live together now? What will it signify if you dwell at Cadurcis and Lady Annabel at Cherbury? Is it not on

py now, Plantagenet; oh!

ne of fondness, your sweet simplicity charms me; but, believe me, i

y n

d and must live elsewhere,

d as in old days, and kinder still, I was so glad; I was so sure you loved me; I thought I had the kindest

r conversation hitherto, 'if, on the contrary, our union would not prove far from disagre

. There are thoughts, there are feelings, there are considerations, that must be respected, that must influence me. Nay! do not look so sorrowful, Plantagenet. Let us be happy now. To-morrow,

on different subjects, silent, and almost content, Cadurcis proceeded, with the arm of Venetia locked in his and ever and anon unconsciously pressing it to his heart. The rosy twilight had faded away, the stars were stealing forth, and the moon again glittered. With a soul softer than the tinted shades of eve and glowing like the heavens, Cadurcis joined his companions as they entered the gardens of Cherbury. When they had arrived at home it see