chivalrous qualities of the author and of the late possessor, might adorn the breast of her brother, gladly bestowed on him the "Broad Stone of Honour," and having kept nothing from the child for the poor, but a purse of coins she had previously given him, held him locked in her arms for some time, before she felt able to resign in her turn this newly found treasure, and suffer him to be lifted to the chaise, in which sat Iago, the General's confidential servant.

Don Carlos returned to the room where Geraldine was standing by the window, and closing the door, urged, in respectful but energetic terms, his hope, that she might consent to remain in the domestic circle about to surround her. He spoke of the strength and tenderness of her father's regard for her, of the exalted sentiments entertained by his sister of the being she had so long and ardently desired to know, of the new tie of a brother whom she loved without a feeling of jealousy, and lastly of himself, his career of sorrow and adversity, and the hope he entertained, that he might, in time, revive in her heart the interest which he proudly felt he had been the first to inspire.

To the first part of Don Carlos' arguments, Geraldine replied by earnest assurances of the joy and thankfulness she felt towards Heaven, that the decline of her father's days would be cheered by domestic affection, and begged that he would convey these sentiments to his sister, "with this pledge of their sincerity," added she, placing a sealed packet in his hand, for Donna Beatrice, which was a miniature of herself. "For me," added she, "these earthly ties and affections are passed, never to be recalled the remembrance even of them is lost in the glorious future, and were I to prolong this interview, Don Carlos, it would only give you pain." Some time, however, passed before Don Carlos

could be convinced that she had irrevocably chosen to live for God alone, for he had gained courage from her omitting to plead, against him, the memory of De Grey; but this omission had been caused solely by the higher impediment of her heavenly espousals; which superseded all other considerations; but for that all engrossing feeling, she might in truth have said

"Gin living worth could win my heart,
You should na plead in vain,

But in the darksome grave 'tis laid,
Never to rise again."

At length Don Carlos joined his impatient charge; and Geraldine resting her head on the seat of the window near her, remained immoveable and in silence, during hours of thought connected with the extraordinary disclosures just made to her.

The journey took place on the following day to the Convent of N-, where the meeting is described, in the first chapter of this volume, between our heroine and Angela De Grey, called in religion Sister Mary Joseph. The events we have recorded, and much of the mental history, having been related, and some hours of pure enjoyment spent in each other's society, the appointed hour at length arrived for Geraldine to rejoin her companions, and to pursue her journey.

"Farewell, dear Angela," said she, "farewell in this world. We are not as those who sorrow without hope; for if I be faithful to the grace vouchsafed me, we shall meet as sister spouses of the heavenly King, to follow Him whithersoever He goeth."

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May Almighty God for ever bless you, my dear and exalted friend," said Angela. "I did not expect to feel either this meeting, or this parting, so much as I have done; I will not regret however this dis

covery of my weakness, but rejoice in the humiliation."

"Shall we indeed not see you ever again, Lady De Grey?" said one of the nuns, who accompanied our heroine to the carriage. "You are not to keep enclosure, therefore perhaps you will some day visit us again?"

"The Sisters of Mercy," said Geraldine, "quit their loved enclosure, at the call of mercy and charity alone. They make no journeys of recreation. Once returned to the scene of my duties at Elverton, I leave it not; so let us part willingly in the body, to meet constantly in spirit at the throne of grace. Let me entreat you to remember me, in frequent prayer!"

One more embrace from Angela, and the friends mutually surrendered the creature for the service of the Creator.

On arriving at her father's house in Berkeleysquare, Geraldine found a note from Mr. Bernard, followed soon after by a visit from himself, stating that the two ladies who were to accompany her to

had begged for some days' delay, before they should join her in London, and that he had promised for her, that she would consent to wait for them, and pass the leisure evenings, which this delay would give her, with his friend and benefactress, the Baroness de M-.

Geraldine had much to communicate to her reverend friend, respecting the disclosure of Don Carlos; but she suspected, as she told her tale, that Mr. Bernard had partly, if not fully, known the ties which General Carrington had formed; and he now congratulated her on the comfort it must afford her, to feel released from all responsibility respecting his future happiness. "See," continued Mr. Bernard, "the tender care of Almighty God over you, and his indulgence for your weakness. He has permit

ted you, by the assistance of his grace, to make him the free offering of all that you believed you held in prospect, as well as in possession, and allows you to feel all the joy, which that generous surrender brings the heart. In the sight of men, perhaps you will retire from the world because you have ceased to be a great heiress, but in the sight of God, you leave it in the purity of a devoted heart."

Geraldine would willingly have excused herself from the introduction she had once so much wished, to the celebrated lady with whom Mr. Bernard was now a guest, but at length consented to pass part of the following day with her; a consent which produced from the Baroness that evening a note, or rather letter of thanks, written with all the warmth and spirit which characterized her, and at two o'clock on the following day, Mr. Bernard called by appointment, and accompanied our heroine to the dwelling of that lady.

CHAPTER XIV.

The good begun by thee, shall onward flow,
In many a branching stream, and wider grow;
The seed, that, in these few and fleeting hours,
Thy hands unsparing and unwearied sow,
Shall deck thy grave with aramanthine flowers,
And yield thee fruits divine in heaven's immortal bowers.
WILCOX.

THE house of the Baroness de M- was shabby, close, and dark; and dullness seemed to pervade all that was visible. A gentleman, whom Mr. Bernard greeted as a brother priest, was sole occupant of the drawing-rooms, excepting a little dog, who resented their entrance by every possible demonstration, and a large handsome cat, who with quiet dignity withdrew. Geraldine sat on the soiled and ragged sofa, in spite of the dog, which the Rev. Mr. Corbey endeavoured to pacify, while Mr. Bernard hearing his name vociferated in shrill tones from an upper room, obeyed the summons, and after some minutes the sounds approached sufficiently near to distinguish their import.

"Where is she,-the charming creature,-where is the celebrated Lady De Grey? I must see her directly, sir! Do you hear, sir! Directly I say!' and the door flying open, from a vigorous push from without, a tall and erect old lady stood in the entrance, for a few instants in silence, taking a scrutinizing survey of our heroine's face and form, who on her part was moved to something of curiosity