her that with Mrs. Beaumont he was now at a place called Roheny, near Dublin, and that it was the general opinion in the country he had met with some good fortune.

"Oh, I knew, I knew," said Fidelia, sobbingly, “that there must be some particular reason for not noticing my letters, Their intended journey to town was cer tainly the reason of their silence, and by now hastening to them, I shall only anticipate a summons from them."

Ere she made an attempt to equip herself for her excursion, however, she handed the letter to Mrs. Simpkins, who having attentively perused it, said, in an altered tone, she hoped, for both their sakes, she might not be disappointed in her present expectations; adding, that of course the sooner she went the better; and as the ride else would be lonely for her, Becky should go with her.

Not, however, on this account was it that she decided sending her, but entirely from the wariness of her disposition; and

to this also was owing her refusing to let Fidelia's trunk accompany her. Fidelia, however, was in no state at present to investigate motives-all she was anxious for was to get as quickly as possible to Roheny. A jaunting-car was the vehicle suggested by Mrs. Simpkins for her conveyance, which she made no objection to, from being led to believe it was the readiest one she could procure. The drive was plea sant, and in about an hour and a half they reached the place.

The exact residence of Mr. Beaumont was soon ascertained, and proceeding to it, Fidelia beheld a very handsome house in the midst of highly ornamented grounds. At the idea of being the inmate of such a place she was quite delighted, and anxiously inquiring for Mr. Beaumont, whom she wished first to see, had the satisfaction of being informed he was at home. She was shewn into a parlour, but instead of giving her name, as required, merely desired the servant to tell Mr. Beaumont a young person wished to speak to him,

Her heart began to palpitate violently confident of her letters having been received, she could not distrust a favourable reception; agitation however was irrepressible, from the recollection of the circumstances under which she had quitted Coole

amere.

Mr. Beaumont did not keep her long waiting-she soon heard his well-known step approaching, and as the parlour-door was thrown open, started up to meet him. She became transfixed, however, by the more-than-surprise his countenance manifested on seeing her." You the person that wanted to speak to me !" he exclaimed "Well, really this is unexpected."

"Yet, after my last letter, I-I did not, sir," said Fidelia, stammering through extreme agitation, "think it would have been so entirely so."

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No, no-perhaps not," with quickness he replied. "But tell me, was it from Mr. Fagan you learned my being here? and did he give you any further particulars ?"

Fidelia briefly acquainted him with what she had heard from his friend.

Well, and you came to offer your congratulations?" he rejoined, preventing, by the hastiness of the remark, the inquiry she was about making after Mrs. Beaumont and Albina.

Fidelia hesitated-she knew not what to think of his manner, but she had gone too far to recede; her situation was desperate, and, after a short pause, she candidly explained it, and the hopes that had led her to him.

"How flattering the high opinion you must, from these hopes, entertain of my generosity! You probably thought, too, that by giving us an opportunity of again serving you, you should afford us one for also serving ourselves, by again giving us the power of securing so amiable and agreeable an inmate?"

Oh, sir!" in inconceivable agitation exclaimed Fidelia, " has any thing new occurred to injure me in your opinion?

—your looks, your words, your manner— all tend to make me fear there has.”

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Any thing new!" with unutterable scorn he repeated" perfidious girl! let your own conscience, as I once before said on a similar occasion, answer that. Scarcely can I confine my indignation within proper bounds. But I shall take care that this is the last time you shall ever obtrude on me-Go! go! and let the shame, the obloquy, and distress, that now overwhelm you, have a salutary effect; you are yet young enough to amend, though to retrieve the friendship and esteem you have lost is utterly impossible. Had you prac tised solely against myself, I might have pardoned you; but to practise against the innocent, affectionate young creature that loved you as a sister, was a proof of such baseness, such insensibility to kindness and feminine feelings, as makes your idea abhorrent to me."

"Oh God! did I merit these reproaches, madness must seize me!" cried Fidelia.