upon those of Clementina than upon the chess-board. 'Spoil her beautiful eyes' too! and cry himself to boot. It is so, or I do not live! Trust me, if I was not as deep in love at twelve as ever Werter was in his life. They shall and must be separated without delay. What, Elizabeth, are you at your prayers, or falling asleep? you do not seem to listen

to me."

" I do, sir Henry, and am of opinion they cannot be separated too soon; and were they never to meet again, it would be so much the better."

"Nay, now you are angry with the urchin; don't you know that boys will be playing those wild pranks? Gadzooks, Elizabeth, I recollect, when I was a boy I played such roguish tricks, that if I had not dropped them after I got some sense, I would have been hanged before this time."

"For shame, sir Henry! a Graves, of Graves Hall! Lord, how could you

connect such an opprobrious term with the name of Graves? I could no more use the expression, than Macbeth could 'Amen;' for when I attempted to repeat your words, it stuck fast in my throat. A Graves indeed"

"Why, my dear, there was one of the name hanged in London some time ago, and-"

"My ears-for pity's sake don't mention it! In London, did you say? But I will not believe it; the villain assumed that name, thinking it might influence the jury to spare his life. What a scoundrel! Ah, sir Henry! I see by your smile that I have been imposed upon! I see, however, how it is: so, because you have yourself early in life forsook your truant disposition, you imagine that Frederick Johnston will do so too; no doubt you have good reasons for thinking so, sir Henry; and did I not think so myself, I assure you I would not have suffered him to re

main in this house, the companion of my niece, if indeed I possessed that influence over you which I imagined; and no doubt my influence should be great indeed, when I could prevail on you to part with your protégé.”

"Hearken, Elizabeth, and hear me once for all: I do most solemnly protest in the face of Heaven, and on my house, and the honour of my house, which I know you hold so very sacred, I know not whose son Frederick Johnston is, nor whether he be related to me in the remotest degree; I was merely given to understand, as you already know, that I had the best right to take care of him, and that he was of gentle blood-beyond this I know nothing. His presence here, however, shall not be a cause of uneasiness to you, for I will have him sent to Oxford immediately, where he will be placed at one of the public schools, preparatory to his being entered a student of the college. I was always determined,

!

determined, and my resolution shall continue firm, to give him the same education I gave Charles; and as it would be imprudent to suffer him and Clementina to remain longer together, order his linen to be got ready, and I will make every other arrangement necessary for his departure."

Frederick was accordingly sent to Oxford. He took a sorrowful leave of sir Henry, Mrs. Elizabeth, and Clementina. Sir Henry was much affected at the poor fellow's distress, as well as alarmed for Clementina, who seemed to be inconsolable for his loss. Even the tearless eyes of Mrs. Elizabeth seemed to regret that they had not one tear to bestow at his departure; her manner of taking leave of him, however, was kind and affectionate, which did not a little surprise not only Frederick, but sir Henry himself, for he always supposed that she really hated him; and why she now appeared so concerned for his departure,

was beyond his comprehension. Hegave the circumstance, however, very little consideration, for Frederick had hardly quitted Graves Hall than he retired to his room, and after a little reflection, and wiping, rather angrily, a tear which made its way, uncalled for, as he supposed, to his eye, he gave vent to his feelings in the following words." What is the boy to me, that I should thus feel a more than parental affection for him ? I loved Charles as I love the apple of my eye, and do still, for what son better deserves a father's love and esteem? but I did not feel, in parting with him, as I do at present. It is true, the rogue has a most engaging manner with him, and he makes every person love him. He is also taken for my own son; and I must confess, I am sometimes inclined to think so myself, though my suspicions are founded on very slight coincidences. It may be so, however. One thing is certain, that he has some of the