bs of the city where Agnes Wiltshire resided, is seated a young man, apparently perusing a volume which he holds in his hand, but,

careless of the impression produced, they rattled gaily on, for not one of them but in her heart had pronounced him a

o of their merry laugh, has died away, and Arthur Bernard

nly the most agreeable company in the world. Not a syllable to say beyond 'yes,' or 'no,' 'good morning,' or 'good even

was the smiling reply. "But, can you imagine what I have been thinking about

ost grave and potent seigneur. Doubtless, they will prove v

good or evil, the majority of your sex do nothing, or, worse than nothing, injure others by their example. I am not a woman-hater, Ella; but I must deplore that so many are unmindful utterly of their high calling, and careless of everything but how to spend the present hour the most agreeably, instead of being found actively sustaining, as far a

gh from his, sister

ces, I cannot find one to come up to your standard; though I am afraid it would be rather a difficult task. And now, in reply to that grave lecture of yours, (what a pity the girls were not here to be edif

t be charming a

hat; I should like to know

of speaking very ungallantly, that there is not one in thirty, fifty, or perhaps a hundred of your sex, who have the slightest idea of exerting their talents for the benefit of others. You laugh and talk, and enjoy yourselves, careless of th

nigmatical. I should like to have that sentence made a

anners and fine qualities rendered him a great favorite with the ladies, and no party seemed complete without him; and thus constantly exposed to the seducing influence of the wine-cup, the habit of imbibing largely grew so strong, that he scarcely had any restraining power left. I remonstrated with him, and, as I trusted, with some success, for he solemnly promised to abstain totally from the intoxicating beverage,-but

solution to "touch not, taste not, handle not," as the

nded, when the daughter of our hostess, the young lady to whom I before alluded, approached him with a glass of sparkling wine in her hand. She was beautiful,-I cannot but acknowledge that,-and I shall never forget her appearance as she stood there, a fascinating smile lighting up her animated countenance, and, in her sweetest tones, begged him to take a glass of wine with her. I thought o

a lady so small a favor,'-and her eyes added, as

ning to me, 'there was a time when a lady's request was deemed sac

ts. A flush of gratified vanity passed over the lady's countenance, for she had laid a challenge with some of her friends, who had observed his previous abstinence, that she would make him drink a glass

werful was her influence over him, for, poor fellow, I believe he would have laid down his life for her sake, was the immediate instrument of leading to destruction one who might,-had she encourag

t, for even the volatile Ella seemed affected at th

not be able to get it out of my mind soon. But now that I t

ire several times where she is, an

se she has abj

with a glance full of astonishment. "What

rly, followed by a servant carrying a large basket, and I can easily imagine it was on some charitable mission. You must know, Arthur, for I see by you

do go on wit

he particulars of which I wrote to you at the time it occurred. Agnes grew very low-spirited, and in consequence lost her health, and was ordered by the physician to the country, to recruit her failing strength. On her return, her dejection had entirely vanished; but still she was very different to what she had formerly been. To the great astonishment, and even displeasure of her

ge alteration?" inquired Arthur, in a tone which, in sp

d has been disc

n, Ella, that she has broke

esh disappointment to Agnes's friends, whose opposition has risen to such a

ation. "But I suspect they would hardly carry that threat into effec

t think, my friend, that it was without a struggle I have resigned him. No, the conflict was long and bitter; but I was enabled, at last, to yield to my convictions of duty. And, indeed, he himself has confessed, that whatever I might have done once, I should never have suited him now. Our views are diametrically opposed; the gayeties of life, which I have gladly resigned, he still takes

a singular girl," sa

that? and yet, I do not know how it happens, but in spite of her singular ways, I seem to like her better than ever. There is nothing in her manner that indicates a consciousness of superior merit, but she is so truly kind, and her countenance wears so peaceful and heavenly an expression, that I

me really interested in the conversation, and, resolving to slip away the first convenient opportunity, he turned

lmost thought I was never to see you ag

but a particular engagem

iss Wiltshire?" inquired Ella of her brother,

nd and kindly tone, told how pleasant was that meeting to one of the party at least. "You s

said Agnes, with a slight e

e," was Arthur's reply, as he insisted on her occupying an easy chair by the blazin

ned the art of flattery in

opposite; "I only wish you had heard him, Agnes, a little while ago, in what terms he spoke of our sex, for i

air," said Arthur, while his

" Agnes inquired, smiling half misch

for good is one that we seldom ever entertain, and he wound up his exceedingly edifying lecture by a dismal story of a lady, whose persuasions

uilty in too many instances. Still, even those who appear the most thoughtless, have their hours of reflection, no doubt, when they feel the utter insipidity of a life of pleasure-false pleasure-and form many reso

ctions, and, as Arthur gazed on the down-cast face, on the long silken eyelashes that but half concealed the tear that unhidden rose to the lustrous eye

as his mental ejaculation. Oh, to have the privi

t hope her

f common