exposed to her influence, nor can they estimate the effects of this perpetual undermining."

"Well, it is in your own hands, George,— there are means to remove her from the sphere of that influence."

He took this so far to heart, as I was glad to perceive, that he toiled with greater assiduity than ever at his chambers, and a few briefs dropped slowly in.

"It's all very well," he replied, when I congratulated him on the prospect, "but I want a really good opening-a chance of distinguishing myself to some purpose."

"Be ready for it when the opportunity comes," I said, "that is what concerns you."

Lawrence Tremlett's health seemed to improve to a certain degree, in proportion as he adopted a more regular mode of living; but fits of great dejection of spirits still recurred, and his odd aversion to his father had not passed away, at least so far as his expressions permitted me to judge. I did at one time think of mentioning to him, as though by accident, young Carnegie's

situation with reference to Miss St. Maur; but on consideration, I refrained, fearful of stirring up a feeling of rivalry.

I have already remarked on his fierce propensities for hatred, and from several small things I gathered that his feelings towards George were not of the most kindly description. Now this was entirely unreciprocated by the latter, who hardly condescended to rate Mr. Tremlett as a rival to be feared, unless greatly aided by extraneous means. His wrath vented itself on Mrs. Lackingham; and his temper, I am sorry to say, too frequently on Miss St. Maur.

The two lovers still saw each other occasionally, in spite of rather strict guardianship, through the agency of Miss Carnegie. As yet Marion was permitted to accompany her on those endless expeditions which ladies call "shopping," and while Miss Carnegie was thus engaged, a quiet stroll in some neighbouring square was generally effected by the young people. At first, after these interviews, George used to return in

reckless spirits; but latterly they seemed to leave him in a very despondent frame of mind.

"I have told you I will marry you, George," said Miss St. Maur; "and if I am prevented doing that, I will, at least, marry no one else." "That is miserable comfort, Marion."

"It is all I can give you," urged the dispirited and weary girl.

"Have you no thought for me? What right has your mother to interfere between us? Bear with me, Marion. Remember, I beseech you, that for years I have looked forward to your being mine. I would do much for hope and fame, but, love, the dark moments come, when I could hardly have kept my reason, but for the thought of you!"

Poor Marion was sorely troubled; she did not know how to answer him, or how to defend herself from the effect of his ardent pleading. It may be, her heart responded to his with a power that only bewildered her.

"She is my mother, George," she said, faintly; "and you little know how tender and kind

she is to me in all save this one thing. I am totally dependent on her; nor do I wish it to be otherwise," her voice trembled a little. "I will not grieve her, if I can help it.”

"Has she not urged you to accept Tremlett? answer me that."

"Mr. Tremlett has not proposed, that I am aware of, so that it would be premature to discuss the point," she replied, evasively.

What wonder that George returned home morose and gloomy from these not very hopeinspiring conversations?

"I don't think you have any right to worry her in this sort of way," I said, when he detailed to me the substance of the above. "It is not manly or kind to do so. Your place is to make her happy; and instead of that, you let your selfish jealousy have play, and rather than console her, you deliberately add to her discomfort."

"I cannot stand quietly by, and see another man invited to take that which is mine!" he retorted.

"You will end by tormenting Miss St. Maur until she dislikes you, George."

"I shall do no such thing; but I will try to be more patient and forbearing. I do feel that there is some truth in what you say. God knows I often think of her faults towards me, when I ought rather to grieve over my sins towards her!"