antly blossomed. He assimilated the shortlived existence to that of man; who, from the transient fragrance and evanescent bloom, fading even whilst admired, might gather salutary instruction; and concluded the little poem with a farewell to the 'sweet monitress,' as he witnessed the decline of its last flower, ere the morning dawned.

.

My son speaks from the tomb,' exclaimed Mr. Vernon: Oh! fondly loved, and deeply regretted, may I lay thy valued words to my heart-may thy counsels direct, thy precepts lead me-until, in the fulness of time, re-united, I may say, 'behold thy father, whom thou hast assisted to these blessed mansions.'

"He closed the desk, and inquired, did Caroline know the nature of that conversation with Maria, which must have been important indeed, to participate with his

heavenward-bound thoughts the last mo

ments of one so pious.

Caroline was well aware of the theme;" and had heard, with as much indignation as her christian temper could admit, a recapitulation from Harriet of events and conduct, for the prediction of which she had frequently chidden Henry; pronouncing it suspicious, ungenerous, and altogether unworthy of his usually candid character; but unwilling to recal to the mind of her father this source of uneasiness, she but slightly touched on the subject, and instantaneously dismissed it, by reverting to the bequest made by her brother to the indigent poor.

It shall be strictly rendered to them,'". said Mr. Vernon; the appointed day is but three weeks distant, and I will, therefore, apprize them of it to-morrow.'

When it was made known to the objects of his bounty, that Henry had remembered

their necessities, and so benevolently provided for them, the warm-hearted and grateful parishioners, with one voice, solicited that the clothing might be of black, as a tribute of respect for the memory, and sorrow for the decease, of their youthful benefactor. This request was too accep table to the feelings of his family to be denied, and on Sunday, the seventeenth of January, the church of Glendalough exhibited almost universal mourning.

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CHAP. XI.

Now plain I ken whence Love his rise begun,
Sure he was born some bloody butcher's son,
Bred up in shambles, where our younglings slain,
Erst taught him mischief, and to sport with pain,

• ROYALTY itself could not have done more than to put the entire country into black, observed Mrs. Jenkinson, again a visitant at the Abbey. This remark was made whilst walking through the churchyard with a large party, to meet their carriages at the gate.

• We put ourselves into mourning, body and soul, for him that's gone, and may be that's what we wouldn't do for them that thinks themselves his betters,' exclaimed a woman, with a contemptuous toss of the

head, and a scornful glance over the entire

party.

Harriet had overheard the observation and its reply, and addressing the latter speaker, she said, my good Catherine, pray do not permit the speech of that lady to displease you.

Displase me! echoed the incensed Catherine, yes, Miss, but it shall displase me, for to hear the likes of her say any thing in disparagement of them that she'll never be fit to stand on the same ground with, unless, mayhap, she's born over again; and I've a notion the world would excuse her second appearance.'

These sentiments not exactly suiting the taste of Mrs. Jenkinson and her compa nions, they hastened, with the utmost expedition, towards their equipages; but Charles Delacour loitered in the pathway with Mr. Vernon and Caroline, apparently wishing to make some communication, at

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