PREFACE.

THE object of the Authoress in the following work, has been a moral one. She has endeavoured (however imperfectly), to show, first, that innocence of heart, and natural good dispositions, are utterly insufficient of themselves, as a preservation from danger; and that in order to be secure, the principles must be first solidly grounded on, and afterwards governed by, religion:-secondly, that misery and remorse of the bitterest kind, must invariably follow any wrong exercise of the affections, even in

this life:—and thirdly, that where those affections are turned towards the Divine Being, their true source, not only, can no outward circumstance of misery or bereavement destroy the peace and hopefulness of the Spirit ;-but that greater happiness will be attained under those very trials, than could be enjoyed under any circumstance of outward prosperity, where the heart is not with God.

No one can be more alive to the numerous imperfections of the work, than the authoress herself, and it is with a feeling of deep humility, that she 'casts it on the waters,' fearful lest its intrinsic merit should not be found sufficient to preserve it from sinking. She is fearful that in the opinion of that class of readers whose approbation she would most desire to obtain, she may be thought to have dwelt too long on the descriptions of ungoverned passion, and the scenes of misguided love.

But her object, throughout, has been to paint nature as it is, not as she might wish it

to be; to describe the feelings, the passions, and dangers of real life. She could not, as she believed, show the absolute necessity of strength from above, without first showing the greatness of human weakness and temptation. No one can duly appreciate their help till they see their danger. The remorse too-the agony and despair ever consequent upon misdirected affections, could not be portrayed with due effect, without first showing the feelings that gave occasion to them; feelings which, however delicious and intoxicating in themselves, still have not power to produce any real happiness, even when they are at their utmost height.

The authoress has aimed, throughout the story, to keep not only possibility, but probability, in view; and, as far as she could, to preserve nature even in the details. That there do exist, however rarely, such characters as Vernon Clavering's, even amongst those whom the world calls its own, it is her happiness to be convinced; and that instances are to be

found of trusting submission, peace, and earnest benevolence, like Mrs. Wyndham, she feels to be the triumph of our Christian religion.

If, amongst those who are of the world (to whom this little work is chiefly directed), one single spirit should be touched by the example it would portray, or led to avoid the dangers it would expose, and seek the strength it would earnestly recommend, the aim of the Authoress will be fully answered, and her labours crowned with a rich reward.

TEMPTATION.

CHAPTER I.

The Heaven's breath

Smells wooingly here.

Midsummer Night's Dream.

I cannot but remember such things were.

Macbeth.

The more we limit and concentre happiness, the more certain we are of securing it.

Devereux.

CLOSE to the small village of Ashton Fickleworth, near Cheltenham, was a pretty little cottage, whose windows, surrounded by roses and jessamine, and opening on a smooth and verdant lawn, might be seen here and there by the pass