materially assist her in a new study to which she had turned her thoughts. What that study was, to which she appropriated a considerable portion of her time, remained unknown, her friends not seeking an explanation; they being fully satisfied in perceiving that it excited strong interest, and claimed an attention which might otherwise have been devoted to the contemplation of inevitable misfortunes, or to unavailable regrets. Maria assured her sister that by a series of useful employment she was enabled to dissipate remembrances she would else have cherished with a diseased sensibility too long indulged; which by undermining her health and spirits, could but produce an increase of pain and trouble to those around her: adding that she conceived resignation and exertion to be very strongly imposed 'duties, and trusted practically to prove the sincerity of her conviction. This was a

of

language new to the lips of the hitherto romantic Maria, and was hailed as a ray divine grace by her gratified parents; who now hoped to see another child tread in the steps of the blessed one they had lost.

176

CHAP. X.

'He slept in peace-say rather soared to heaven,
Upborne from earth by Him to whom 'tis given

In his right hand to hold the golden key
That ope's the portals of eternity.

When by a good man's grave I muse alone,

Methinks an angel sits upon the stone;

Like those of old, on that thrice-hallowed night,
Who sate and watched in raiment heavenly bright;
And, with a voice inspiring joy, not fear,
Says, pointing upward, that he is not here,
That he is risen!

ON the twenty-second of December a vessel was descried at the entrance to Dublin harbour, making but little way, the wind and tide being against her. She was soon identified as a Bristol packet, which had been hourly expected by Mr. Vernon and his unfailing companion in all time of need, they having been in the city for three days, awaiting its arrival; to them it

was most welcome, for it contained Caroline, who had intimated her intention of returning, to pass Christmas-day with her family. The vessel was necessitated to anchor at some distance from the shore, but still sufficiently near to discover, with the assistance of a telescope, many pas sengers on its deck; and a boat being imme diately lowered, Delacour would have gone out, but he was not permitted, the sailors averring that, without an addition from shore, there were enough of persons in the packet to fill the boat, which was soon after seen returning, and in it a female figure, whom our impatient spectators recognized as Caroline. In her hand was a small box, which she appeared unwilling to relinquish to the care of some gentlemen who offered to relieve her from the inconvenience; and as she approached, Delacour knew the prized object, so religiously

M

guarded, to be the solemnly bequeathed writing desk.

With delighted admiration, he exclaimed, is she not like Agrippina, returning with the ashes of Germanicus?'

She is a pilgrim, bearing a relique,' faintly sighed Mr. Vernon; and in a moment she was in his arms. My child!My father! were the only words uttered, until Charles claimed her attention; to him she then expressed, with affectionate sweetness, the pleasure experienced in meeting him, and her grateful sense of his innumerable kindnesses, with which she had been made perfectly acquainted. Mr. Vernon would have persuaded her to remain for that night in Dublin, as she seemed to be fatigued; but impatience to see her mother and sisters overcame all personal considerations, and induced a request to proceed, without delay, to Glendalough.

Caroline was pale, and thin to an ap