having just met one of the servants, who tells me his master went from home yesterday, and is expected to continue absent a long time."

Amelrosa gladly assented to this proposal, and with the worthy farmer for her companion, and her favorite Tray, proceeded to the Hall. They walked slowly through the grove and avenue of trees,. speaking but little to each other, as the gloominess of the scene impressed the mind with an involuntary melancholy, till they reached the mansion of sorrow, Stillness reigned throughout, which was interrupted by the mastiff, who began to bark at Tray and Amelrosa; but knowing Heartwell, was soon quieted, and they entered a spacious hall, without seeing any person, hung round with a number of natural curiosities; different animals stuffed, birds in cases, insects; the domestic implements, dress, and offensive weapons of various savage nations, with several fire-arms and swords, used by the English and other Europeans.

"This uncommon and curious assemblage, would make a stranger conclude, on his first entrance," said Amelrosa to Mr. Heartwell, "that he was visiting the habitation of some celebrated philosopher;" "And a very reasonable conclusion, in my opinion," he rejoined; shewing her, as she spoke, into the drawing-room: the most cheerful apartment this gloomy abode contained, from its commanding a lively and pleasing prospect. It was ornamented with very capital pictures; but most of them were painted from melancholy and affecting subjects, and involuntarily suggested the idea, as they inspired pensive reflections, that the selector of them must be inclined to sadness.

They now visited the library, which was decorated and fitted up with taste, containing a valuable collection of books; but had a solitary gloomy air, from the windows looking into a small wood of fir, willow, and laurel trees, interspersed with the

arbutus

arbutus or strawberry tree, and a variety of beautiful and curious shrubs. Eagerly Amelrosa advanced to the portrait, whichi Heartwell had mentioned he conjectured to have been drawn for Lady Rossmore, and her admiration and attention were instantly fixed on it.

Elmira appeared to have been about fifteen years of age, when the picture was painted, and was formed with such exquisite perfection, that the severest criticism could here find no scope for censure. Her features were correctly regular; yet so animated and expressive was her countenance, that the eye unwillingly turned away from the bewitching grace that attracted it. Her jet black hair was fastened behind with a comb; but some negligent ringlets had apparently escaped from it, and with a pleasing carelessness waved on her fine turned shoulders. A tint of the wild rose glowed on her round cheek, and her complexion was the clearest brown. She was habited

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habited in a Spanish dress of pale pink, and with one of her beautiful arms gracefully throwing back a transparent white lace veil, that partly fell over her lovely form in cobweb folds.

Amelrosa felt a pang at quitting this enchanting picture, when Heartwell asked if she would not go into another apartment; and as she gazed for the last time, her eyes filled with tears, at the remembrance of Elmira's unhappy destiny, and lost in thought, followed the good farmer into the print room. It was hung round with the finest engravings; and after viewing them, she sat down to rest herself, being tired, and throwing off her large hat, began conversing with Heartwell on what she had seen. In the midst of this conversation, somebody was heard ascending the stairs, the door opened, and Tray ran barking towards a gentleman in the meridian of life; who advanced into the middle of the room and started, trembled, whilst a convulsive emotion

emotion was diffused over his countenance, at the sight of Amelrosa.

His personal appearance bore a strong resemblance to the description she had received of Lord Rossmore, with the only difference, that he was even more noble and interesting, than her youthful and luxuriant fancy had pourtrayed, and the confused countenance of Heartwell, who was for some time struck dumb with astonishment, plainly evinced she had conjectured right, before he convinced her, by stammering out an apology. While he spoke, his lordship had conquered his feelings, and earnestly gazed at Amelrosa, though in such a manner, as not to offend her delicacy.

Never indeed, had her beauty appeared more irresistibly attractive. Her skin of the purest white, was embellished by a soft blush on her cheeks of a lovely vermillion hue, at the idea of having intruded on Lord

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