the circumstance, wishing to make all the reparation in his power for the injury he now first knew he had done her, by depriving her of the friendship of that lady, as well as that of Lady Stanley.

Walter Stanley lost no time in availing himself of this permission; and had the satisfaction of seeing that his amiable wife, who had never joined the general cry against Louisa, was as anxious as himself to see her reinstated in the good opinion of her relatives.

With this good intention, she undertook to explain the mistake which had led them to behave with injustice towards a person who was so every way worthy of their esteem. And for herself, she determined to make ample atonement for having tacitly yielded to the erroneous opinions they had entertained.

But her voluntary task was attended with more difficulty than she had expected nothing is so hard to overcome

4

as prejudice, particularly in minds not endowed with superior sense. Lady Belmour's prejudice was so strongly rooted against Louisa, that she would not listen to any apology for her, declaring it was her wish never again to see or hear of her. Lady Stanley's was not so great, but as her favourite daughter had suffered very much in mind on her account, whether she was innocent or not, her Ladyship said it was as well for her to be forgotten by them, more especially as she had found a relation whose protection she was under: she therefore did not absolutely stand in need of theirs.

Lady Adelina was much disappointed in not succeeding better, but she consoled herself with the benevolent design, which she communicated to the Countess her mother, of seeking her out, and paying her every possible attention.

For this purpose, she waited upon Mr. Melford, but was informed by him,

that Miss Fitzormond had quitted his protection, and that he was quite incapable of directing her Ladyship to her.. He added, that he believed she had left the kingdom, but with whom, or to what part she had gone, he could not tell.

Much perplexed by this intelligence, she was compelled to give up the hope "she had entertained of compensating by her kindness for the injury her brother's. imprudence had done her.

The health of her Ladyship, which had always been delicate, began now rapidly to decline: with extreme concern, all who knew her, believed they should not long be blest with her mild endearing society. By none was her approaching dissolution beheld with deeper regret than by her husband. It banished all thoughts. of Louisa from his mind. Certain it is,. he had not loved her with that fervour and enthusiastic passion that frequently. borders on pain, and which he had felt..

for another. But the gentleness of her disposition, the amiable qualities of her heart, and her faithful and sincere attachment to him, had endeared her to him, and he had felt in her society that tranquil happiness which few who marry the object of their first and warmest affections ever experience; the fear of losing a beloved and valuable object frequently embittering the possession.

The only thing that gave them room to hope they should not lose her was her being in a situation to present an heir to the Stanley estates, which her generosity had rescued from ruin.

With the tenderest solicitude did her husband watch by her bed, which she seldom quitted: now that he feared she would be torn from him, he felt her inestimable worth, which he accused himself of having before been insensible of, and could he have prolonged her ex

istence by any sacrifice, it would not have been thought dearly purchased.

The affection Sir Walter bore her was truly paternal; he considered her the saviour of his family, and the most perfect model of female excellence.

Her sweet and unassuming disposition had rendered her beloved, even by the cold and haughty Lady Belmour, and the gay thoughtless Lady Stanley, who seldom felt affection for any one but this daughter.

The venerable Countess was overwhelmed with grief, and that of her noble father was not less poignant: with extreme anxiety they awaited the moment which would decide her fate.

That time at length arrived, and what had been dreaded took place. She gave birth to a son; but in doing so, her pure angelic spirit took its flight to join its kindred angels.