it, both in her own soul and in the souls of others. It may be supposed that she scarcely attained her end, for, although extremely useful as a promoter of all religious institutions, her mind was too little interested in the personal reign of Christ in her own heart, to secure her advance in grace, or to enable her to assist others.

"There are the Watsons, I do think," said Mrs. Wilmot, rousing from a reverie into which she had fallen. The Watson party it certainly was, with the Vicar of St. Mary's. After a little general conversation, Mrs. Wilmot alluded to the pictures at Lord B-'s, and none of the company having seen them, it was agreed that some fine morning they should all set forth on a pic-nic and picturesque expedition.

"We have made a terribly long morning visit, and intruded upon your time sadly," said Mrs. Wilmot, addressing Mary, and taking her aside to fix a day for dining with them, as her time would be limited, and they wished to see as much of her as possible. Mary in vain attempted to excuse herself; if she disliked dining out, she positively must spend an evening soon, and Miss Wilmot suggested that the Hoopers, and a few other friends were coming

on Wednesday; that day therefore was agreed on, when Mary was to engage her uncle and brother to accompany her.

No sooner had the whole group departed, than Mr. Conroy placed himself opposite his niece, and resuming his peculiar cough, said, "that's one of your serious people, as you call them, isn't she, Mary? aha! a very excellent woman, no doubt, and a most admirable auxiliary to her own daughters, as well as to the numerous societies she patronises. Henry, the girls are not ill-looking! what's the reason though that Miss Cora keeps herself so in the shade? I did not hear her open her lips; however, the other two made up for her deficiency."

Ah, uncle, I see you are quite as fond of a little satire as you used to be."

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Satire, boy! do you call that satire? what is the harm of young ladies liking to talk? but you are right to take the woman's side.”

The nephew laughed, and Mary delivered Mrs. Wilmot's message, and it was agreed that they should accept the invitation.

CHAPTER XVI.

LORD, WHO SHALL DWELL IN THY HOLY HILL?-HE THAT SPEAKETH THE TRUTH IN HIS HEART.'-Ps. xv. 1, 2.

WEDNESDAY arrived, and they reached Mrs. Wilmot's early in the evening, as was stipulated. The mother and daughters welcomed them with much cordiality, the uncle was begged to place himself in an arm chair beside Mrs. Wilmot, and quite out of reach of draught: there were two or three persons residing in the neighbourhood, who were introduced to Mary. Shortly after, the door opened, and the five Miss Hoopers and their papa and brother were announced. They looked rather shy and awkward, but after they had fairly got seated in various parts of the room, their embarrassment seemed to wear off.

Mr. Forbes was next ushered in, a middleaged gentlemanly-looking man, who took his station beside the youngest Miss Wilmot. Then

came the Watsons and the Rev. Mr. Charles Watson, Vicar of St. Mary's; he made his bow to Mrs. Wilmot, and placed himself amidst the group at the upper end, consisting of the two elder Miss Wilmots, and the five Miss Hoopers. Sir George and Lady Hare, with an elderly clergyman, completed the party.

After tea, Mrs. Wilmot inquired if Mr. Watson had brought his flute, and he answering in the affirmative, she requested one of the Miss Hoopers to oblige the company with some music. Sir George Hare, and Mr. Henry Conroy were talking together without regarding the musicians, and they continued in conversation till the performance ceased. Mary was then asked to play, but she begged to decline, as there were so many ladies who would take her place; Georgiana and Lucy Wilmot then played and sung an Italian air, accompanied by Mr. Watson, who had a full deep voice. Mrs. Wilmot seeing Mr. Henry Conroy still in conversation with Sir George Hare, and not attending to her daughters, but both, as is usually the case, raising their voices when the tones became louder, ventured to remind them by a gentle whisper, that they were losing a very beautiful glee. Her hint had the desired effect: the gentlemen moved towards the piano, and the

singing continued for upwards of an hour and a half.

Meantime Mary had taken the chair beside Cora Wilmot, which had been vacated by Mr. Forbes when the piano was opened, and finding her very willing to enter into conversation, they talked together in an under-tone till the singing ceased, and Mrs. Wilmot again urged Mary to play. She pleaded want of practice, and begged to be excused, but finding her apologies would not be accepted, she sat down and played some of Handel's finest music. Mr. Forbes looked much delighted, and Mr. Watson took his flute and accompanied her with considerable skill. Mrs. Wilmot was loud in her praises, and thought nothing so fine as sacred music; "there is my daughter Cora, she never will play any thing else; Cora," said the fond mother, 66 come here, my dear, perhaps Miss Conroy will kindly accompany you, if you sing, ' Angels ever bright and fair.'" The daughter seemed very unwilling to comply, but the mother urged that it would be quite on her conscience if she let the evening pass away without some sacred singing, and turning to Mr. Henry Conroy who stood beside her, "Now would it not be quite wrong to close the piano without something like a hymn; do, my dear sir, use your influence