animated observations of my new acquaintance, who was very fast gaining upon me, both, as to the respect due to his age and manners, and the weight which his powers of reasoning and his modesty deserved. I only disclaimed even the most remote intention to charge him, or his views, with the irreligious consequences attributed to German rationalism. He answered me with uncommon mildness, that he had not the least suspicion of any such intention on my part, adding that, if, as he hoped, he should have the pleasure of conversing with me upon these subjects, he begged me to understand that whatever vehemence might appear in his manner, arose only from the long and painful attention which he had given to these subjects. "As I feel confident, he added, that christianity is daily losing ground, owing to the misdirected efforts of those who stand forth as its champions, I can hardly control the vehemence with which the recollection of this evil urges my mind to meet it. But what is my power to stop such an inveterate disease!"

Captain Cusiack, who, the whole time, had kept his eyes fixed on his friend, and (as I began to suspect) his instructor, stretched his hand to him, and said: "We must not despair; sincerity, my dear shipmate, is sure, in a long chace, to get ahead of policy. But we must not part company with our youngster here (pointing to me) without doing something for him. You must take him in tow, Mr. Fitzgerald, as you did me, when I was a mere log in these matters." "I should certainly, said I, take it as a great kindness from Mr. Fitzgerald, if he would assist me in my present difficulties." " With all my heart," said the good old man. "But will not our journey afford us the best opportunity?" “To be sure,” said the Captain, "besides, Mr. Fitzgerald, you may then kill more than two birds with one stone." "What do you mean?', said I with surprise. "You'll know by and by, lad! Good by to you for the present. We leave you to read the letter which has been so patiently waiting upon the table." Having

said this, he scarcely gave time to Mr. Fitzgerald for the usual compliments, or to me to show the civilities due to a gentleman, who had, for the first time called upon me.

CHAPTER X.

An agreeable Surprise.-A long Letter.-Joy in prospect.

I OPENED the Letter with some agitation. Hope had been daily making my attachment to Rose Cusiack grow into an all engrossing feeling. Perhaps my illness had also contributed to this, My last clear thought before the fever deprived me of consciousness, was bestowed on Rose and her mother. I felt at that moment with uncommon keenness how unhappy that man is who has to bear the evils of life by himself, and without the soothing tenderness of a wife or a near female relative. Again, the first collected thought which left a trace on memory, when I recovered my consciousness, was connected with those two amiable persons. Imagination made me perceive the heavenly enjoyment which past danger affords to the exhausted sufferer, in the tears of joy which glisten in the eyes of a wife, a mother,

a sister, who feared they had lost you, and now have found you. All these feelings and impressions revived at the sight of the letter; and my hand shook when I broke the seal. I read what follows:

66

My very dear friend,-There was a day when I thought your name would never pass my lips again. To the wrong which this thought did you, my heart pleads not guilty. It proceeded from another heart-a heart capable of darker passions, than I even knew to exist. But his name shall certainly not proceed again from my lips or my pen.

So you have been ill-most dangerously ill, my friend, my child in affection; and I have not been so fortunate as to bestow upon you even a look of sympathy! When I heard of your illness, my first impulse was to set off immediately for London, to nurse you. But my always delicate health was growing worse than usual, and I was kept back against my will Need I tell you that both myself and Rose have been most happy in your recovery! But you