determining to put a period to his existence, was summoned into the presence of a righteous Judge, to "give an account of the deeds done in the body." She left the church deeply affected with the vanity of the world, lamenting that she possessed no higher source of enjoyment, and resolved she would not be numbered among its votaries.

Disappointed and fatigued with the day's excursion, the youthful party found their nearest way to the turnpike, entered the carriage, that had been long in waiting, and reached M at the close of the evening.

Notwithstanding the noble resolution of Ellen, in disentangling herself from the fascinating allurements of the world, she failed in the performance of her vow, and halting between the conviction of truth, and a dereliction of duty, she experienced the remorse of conscience and the bitterness of repentance, inseparably connected with indecision. The mild precepts of the gospel, and the terrors of the law, alter

nately presented their cogent appeals to her notice, which were as quickly removed by the indefinite and undefinable idea, of a future day adjusting the difference existing in her theory and practice. She was not insensible to the value of religion as the "one thing needful," but betrayed too little regard to the uncertainty of time; that which she should have been anxious to secure to-day, was left to the contingencies of to-morrow.

As the summer vacation approached, the cousins were unremitting in their exertions to acquire that proficiency in learning which would merit the smile and approbation of relatives at home, and secure the prize promised to diligence and attention. By steady and persevering efforts, they effected their laudable purpose, and to the discomfiture of their companions, obtained the reward for application and improvement.

CHAPTER III.

THE Cousins experienced that pain is the general concomitant of pleasure; for the demonstrations of joy upon their arrival at home, were quickly succeeded by sorrow and regret, which parting again produced. On their return to school, a new companion was found in the stead of Sophia Bailey, whose slight indisposition was considered by her indulgent parents as an insuperable barrier, to her advancement in knowledge.

Elizabeth Darnley studied an extreme politeness of behaviour, and was not ignorant of the advantage which her courtesy and personal attractions gained in the estimation of strangers. Superior to her associates, in years and the dignity of her parentage, she looked with supercilious scorn and contempt upon those whom she considered as her inferiors; but with much dissimulation concealed the hidden feel

ings of her heart, and was constantly professing the sincerity of her attachment and esteem. Suspicious and jealous of her own importance, she envied and hated her as a rival, by whom she was eclipsed; and with feigned expressions of love and affection, her insinuating manners wrought upon the artless credulity of the cousins, who for a time, yielded obedience to her authority, which soon became insupportable. Her attention to dress, solicitude to display her charms, and love of flattery, were excessive; and to gratify her prevailing passions, she became an adept in *artifice, intrigue, and stratagem, in order to gain the adulation of youths of the opposite sex.

Notwithstanding the scrutinizing eye and the vigilant watch which Miss Phillips exercised over her suspected pupil, Elizabeth found means to write letters, send messages, and exchange visits with her confederates. Her delight appeared to be, in entangling them in difficulties, and involving them in intricate perplexi

ties (by unremitting attention to herself) in which her judgment should be sought -her sway maintained maintained—and her authority acknowledged. Nothing could be further from her motive, than a sincere attachment to the objects who relied on her warm expressions of love; but enjoying the possession of influential power, she sacrificed every principle of integrity and honesty, at the shrine of assumption and tyranny. The dexterity with which she inveigled servants, threatened and conjured her companions, to preserve her intrigues a secret, was truly astonishing; the expostulations of Julia, either had no effect, or the hasty vow to retract her adventures, was no sooner made, than broken, and her associates dreading that they should be found accomplices in her guilt, by not divulging the truth, grew suspicious, reserved, and disaffected, towards their governess.

Finding remonstrance vain, Julia felt it her duty to acquaint Miss Phillips with the clandestine proceedings of her new