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this affair, and the common interest which has arisen between Selma and Lennartson, through their protégé, while the dissimilar conduct of the two young ladies on this occasion seemed to have made a strong impression on Lennartson's mind.

February 17th.

I have tried to sound Felix respecting the ice affair and its adventures. He pretended to be perfectly ig norant and highly amazed, but a sort of embarrassment in his manner convinced me that I have neither done him nor the rest wrong. I have heard from Ake Sparrsköld that St. Orme frequently entices young people to debauchery, and from drinking to gambling; and in this way wins their money; and that on the day when the sledge excursion took place, he had invited Felix and his friends to an orgie of the lowest description.

Seriously and cordially, nay with the kindness and sympathy of a sister, I now remonstrated with Felix, and warned him against this false and dangerous friend. I reminded him of his promise to Selma, and what was dependent upon it.

He answered me never a word, but his countenance bespoke his unhappy state of mind, and he embraced the first opportunity to withdraw.

I fear I fear it will never be well with him. His improved conduct sometime after his interview with Selma seems not to have been of long standing, and he appears to be so weak that any insinuation of the Rutschenfelts, such as, "Do not let yourself be talked to, Felix, as if you did not know how to act without

other people's teaching. Be a man!" or their sneer, that "he is already under petticoat government," is sufficient to lead him away into every species of folly.

The thought has suggested itself to my mind to have a private interview with St. Orme himself, and try to call forth the good spirit in him, but-if the wicked one should show his teeth at me! However, I will Over hasty words

let this idea digest a little while yet. seldom fall on good soil.

February 20th.

With respect to our children, the one of seven years and the other of sixty, things wear a hopeful and gladsome aspect. The old man has been operated upon, and the operation has proved successful and satisfactory. Lennartson was here to-day, and gave us the details of the procedure of the case in his usual humorous manThe joy of the old man at being again able to behold the light of the sun and to see his child, at being able to work again, and lay aside his mendicant's staff, deeply affected us all. We deliberated on the future course to be pursued in behalf of our children, and unanimously adopted Lennartson's plan.

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Selma has managed to get Flora engaged in the affair, so that she now forms one of the party, and seems to be warmly interested in it, that is to say, in Lennartson's presence.

February 23d.

The Baron has received new marks of honour in titles and orders. When coming to us this evening adorned with the latter, Flora evinced great joy at it,

while Selma and I congratulated him with the utmost simplicity. Lennartson received Flora's excessive demonstration of joy coldly, and was altogether not in the best humour. My stepmother observed this, and jestingly remarked:

"It looks as if Lennartson was at variance with fortune just when he is the most favoured by it." "Fortune!" said Lennartson, with a melancholy

smile.

"Yes," rejoined my stepmother, "most men at least think it so."

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'Ah," replied Lennartson, while with a kind of filial confidence he seated himself beside her, "that is the very thing which makes me so dissatisfied, that people so frequently regard such things as fortune, and attach some worth to them, without ever inquiring whether they are a token of merit or have any real importance; it vexes me that such is really the case, and that I am childish enough not to be altogether free from such weakness; it actually torments me. But the superficiality in life is infectious, and therefore I long to escape it."

"Surely not by resigning your service?" inquired my stepmother, with alarm.

"No," replied Lennartson, "that is quite another matter. I wish to avoid it by penetrating more and more deeply into life. I well know where I might become indifferent to all mere external ornaments, and feel warm and rich in the reward which no human eye sees, by a look and silent mark of approbation."

"And where is that Dorado?" asked my stepmother, tenderly, and as if she anticipated his reply.

With a voice rendered at once softer and fuller in, tone by deep feeling, he said:

"I once possessed it in the heart of my mother, and might regain it in the bosom of my wife! If "-he continued, with emphasis-" if she should understand me-if she should prove to be what my soul desires and my heart seeks.-Many a one congratulates me on my good fortune and career in life, and I believe have never yet been happy, nor properly enjoyed life-since the earliest period of my youth!” he added, in a melancholy tone.

All this was said in a partially audible voice to my stepmother, who seemed evidently affected, and said some pleasant things by way of comforting him, but by no means in a cheerful voice.

"I looked at the young ladies. Flora blushed deeply: and I could only surmise that Selma turned pale, for on casting a glance at her she rose and walked out of the room.

Thus then I have become acquainted with one of Lennartson's faults at which the Viking hinted. But the manner in which it was detected has only given him additional interest in my eyes.

March 1st.

Brenner will not understand me or take my hints. He seems to be disposed to give free play to his heart in making an attack on mine. Ehbien! If he only does not come off wounded from the combat! While losing a lover, I do not wish at the same time to part with a friend, and one in fact so noble and precious to me as Willliam Brenner. I never was happy in love.

Where I loved my affection was never reciprocated, and those by whom I was loved I could not love in return. But to friendship, pure, sincere friendship, I owe many of my highest joys on earth. A rejected lover may easily become the most faithful friend; and that such is not the case, is frequently the fault of my own sex. In this instance that shall not be laid to my charge; thus much I know of my own character. I know of nothing more grievous than the circumstance of an acquaintanceship, began in cordiality, suddenly turning to bitterness, or feelings of ardour changing into coldness. Every seed of attachment which the all-benificent One scatters upon earth, is intended by Him to develope itself into a plant, and blossom; is designed to shoot forth here at his footstool, and to flourish one day still more gloriously beside his throne. If abortive-if the flower is nipped in the bud, it is man's own fault, and to be lamented.

I am writing this amid the fragrance of the lilacs which I have received from my friend, and with a heart beating warmly for him. All is serenity and light

within me.

Thou comforter of hearts by grief oppress'd,
Enlightener of life's obscurest hour,

Honour'd in Earth's first days; and ever bless'd
As her supremest boon of worth and power,
Thou, when the world's foundations erst were laid,
Thou didst the Maker praise, and joyful song,
In glorious concert with creation made, *
And wrested what to void did once belong;-
Oh, Wisdom! life's both morn and even star,
Now can my soul rejoice, thou soughtest me

* Prov. viii. 30.

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