Year: 1862

usual; but Lucy was too happy in antici-
patton Of the morrow to observe her sis
ter's sadened aspect.


The second year of Mr. Edward wild
owhood had passed away, and the beloved
mother of his children was about to be
replaced by younger and more beautiful
companion. Isabella Leslie was on the eve
of becoming mistress of Hazelwood Lu-
oy's heart leaped with joy at the prospect
of having her friend the inmate of her
home, so that she could enjoy her society
without the many Interruptions which had
oflate somewhat excited her disposition
There was but one drawback to her hap
piness. She could not conceal from her
self that the union in which she SO tondlv
rejoiced was painfully unwelcomed to her
sister. Marion's calm smile and quiet de-
meaner might have deceived an ordinary
observer; but the eye of affection coull
detect struggling heart heneath this
peaceful exterior. This discovery would
have affected Lucy still more deeply had
she not thought it strangely unreasonable
of Marion not to share in the ardent at
tachments she felt for her friend. At times
the remembrance that her mother had
not desired the acquaintance of Mrs. Les
lies family for her children would give her
a momentary pang but this unwelcomed
thought was quickly expelled by her de-
termination to believe, that had Isabella's S
excellence been known to her mother, she
would gladly have chosen her as the com
panion of her daughters. .-Iaf. -us.


The bridal pair had returned from their
wedding tour, and on their arrival at home
Isabella was greeted by Lucy with the
same ardent enthusiasm which had marked
her attachment since the first day of their
meeting Marion was there too, and in
the cordial welcome she gave her fathers
wife, noshade of gloom was suffered to mar
this their first family meeting. Mr.. Edwards
was too much engrossed with his own hap
piness to observe the changing color. Of
his eldest daughter at this trying moment;
but the naughty expression of Isabella's
eye, as her glance rested on Marion, show
ed that there was one at least who had de-
teeted the hidden feelings of her heart Is
abella was not destitute of many good
qualities, lbut her natural vanity had been
fostered by an injudicous mother into ar
rogance and sef-conceit. Alas ! how often
does mistaken affection check the unfold
ing of kindly virtues within the bosom of
its idol even like some PARASITIC creepers
which stihe the blossoms of those fragrant
sErnbs around which they have entwined
themselcs with an aspect of cliDging ten
derness. ~ IB4 &c ssei9 TsEsoaa .
the restraints Of the school room, but their
old place OF study was still appropriated
to their exclusive use and there a few
hours were daily spent by Marion in read
ing or in other favorite pursuits There,
too, she often sought refuge from petty
notifications which awaited her in the
drawing room nor did she ever trust her.





self to re-join the domestic circle until she
had obtained strength to fulfill cheerfully
the new duties which were now allotted to
her. 'a r


In this quiet apartment she was seated
one afternoon, when Lucy rushed into the
room, and throwing her arms are und her
sisters neck, exclaimed passionately ..You
are the only ole left to love or care for me
dearest Marion o, how bitter it is to be
deceived where one has trusted SO fondly
so entirely p '3i =. eA
'sWhat do you mean my love ?'' .inqoruir-
ed Marion with an anxious look


''You know Marion, how I have devoted
every thought to my father and Isabella
how | longed for their union, how I re-
joiced at it its accomplishment Well
they no longer care for me. I am not
necessary to their happiness; nay, my
presence seems unwelcome to them but"
added she. rising up with an air eff offended
dignity, Il will not tamelv submit to such
insulting treatment. They shall learn that
| can exist without them. The world is
wide enough for them and mc-'i' r.;


Marion, though used to occasional out
bursts of her sisters S ardent temper, locked
perplexed and grieved- After moments
hesitation, she said, Surely you are mis-
taken, Lucy; although papa has, of course
less leisure to bestow on US now than in
former days, yet he is very kind and as
for Isabella, it is impossible but that she
should love you. y f. t.aaa


sYes. with such love as step-mother
may bestow, but not such as | have right
to expect from at chosen friend. And as FIR
papa, be is so engrossed with his young