CHAPTER V.

AUNT AND NIECE,

"Resolve," the haughty moralist would say ;
"This single act is all that we demand."
Alas! such wisdom bids a creature fly,
Whose very sorrow is that time hath shorn
His natural wings.

WORDSWORTH.

LADY FORTROSE was justified in her idea that Lady Elizabeth would prefer keeping her niece almost entirely to herself, for after Beatrice had spent one day with her sister, many engagements interfered to prevent their being often together; and though Lady Fortrose often asked for Beatrice, she generally asked in vain.

"It was so necessary," Lady Elizabeth said, "that Beatrice should be introduced to her father's relations, many of whom were now in town;" and though Lady St. Melion had especially desired that Beatrice should not be considered "out," as her education was by no means finished, even as far as masters and common information were concerned, there were many concerts, early afternoon parties, &c., to which even children were taken, and at which Lady Elizabeth was delighted to introduce her niece, without disobeying the letter of her mother's injunction.

Beatrice, too, had been so little in English society, that she really believed there was no evasion of her

mother's wishes in this conduct, being assured by her aunt that if she were not presented or taken to balls, she could never be supposed to be "out," and so she thoroughly enjoyed the gaiety into which she was encouraged to enter.

There was, indeed, one thing that rather disturbed her. The many engagements that Lady Elizabeth accepted for her, interfered considerably with the hours appointed for masters, and study of various sorts, in which Beatrice had promised her mother to try and improve herself.

She tried once or twice to get off going to some party, rather than put off a lesson; but Lady Elizabeth was very unwilling to allow this, and always assured her that she would have plenty of time for study in the country, "where, indeed," she added, "you will be so dull, my dear, that your only resource will be in your books and music.”

"Is Pentyre such a very dull place, then?" said Beatrice, half alarmed.

"Well, I have never been there myself, and I do not know anybody that has. Your sister sees no society, and thinks of nothing but bringing up her children as patterns of goodness, in which I daresay she succeeds, but of that you will be able to judge. I don't like perfect children, they are so conceited."

"I did not think Winifred seemed conceited, when Honoria brought her here the other day. They want me to spend an afternoon with them this week, and I said I thought I could."

"I really do not see how it is possible. You are engaged to luncheon to-morrow. Then there is Mrs. Hammond's party next day, and your lesson from

Signor S- on Friday, and on Saturday I have asked the Percys and Vincents to come here, so you must just say you are engaged."

"But cannot I put off the signor," said Beatrice. "I did take my lesson yesterday, you know."

"My dear Beatrice, I am surprised at your wishing it. You know how anxious your father is about your singing, and you really have put off Siguor S― so many times. For my part I should be quite ashamed to do it again, but you must do as you like of course, my dear, only I think Lady Fortrose would be sorry that you should lose a lesson on her account."

Lady Elizabeth left the room.

Beatrice was annoyed and disappointed, because she thought Honoria would be so, but certainly the last time they had met she had expressed a hope that Beatrice did not allow her other engagements to interfere with her lessons, and Beatrice had promised to be more industrious. But she had so often put off her masters for people she did not care about, that it really seemed a sort of pretence to say she could not do it to go to her sister. She knew, however, that Lady Elizabeth would be very much vexed if she determined to go, so there was nothing to be done but to write and tell Honoria the true state of the case.

This sort of contretemps frequently happened during the two months that the sisters spent in London, and Beatrice remained almost a stranger to the family in Carlton Terrace.

Minna and Winifred paid several happy visits to King's Holm, and in the beginning of June they spent a long day there to take leave before returning to Pentyre. Little Geraldine accompanied them. Bessie,

who was very fond of children, having especially begged for her. Geraldine was now six years old, and had lately been promoted to the school-room. She was a lively, clever, little girl, and amused Bessie very much.

Minna was sorry this must be the farewell visit to King's Holm for that year, but the country looked so lovely that she could not help looking forward with great delight to the summer at Pentyre.

Winifred also greatly interested Bessie by her eloquent praises of her Welsh home, in the description of which some of her quaint poetical fancies appeared, and she promised to write and tell Bessie many particulars of her doves and other pets, who were supposed to be anxiously awaiting the return of their little mistress.

Bessie was very unhappy at parting with Minna, whose imaginative and truthful mind and affectionate warmth of manner had made a deep impression on her. Rhoda was honest, and affectionate, and useful, but matter-of-fact, and cold in manner, so Minna's brightness was quite a genial novelty.

Still no word escaped Bessie that could imply even the possibility of a wish to keep Minna. She only expressed her regrets that the cousins must go, and that so long a time would probably elapse before they paid another visit to King's Holm.

With tearful eyes the sisters parted, Minna feeling really grieved in her heart at Bessie's sorrow.

CHAPTER VI.

PENTYRE.

'Tis to have

And this is human happiness!
Its secret and its evidence are writ
In the broad book of Nature.
Attentive and believing faculties;
To go abroad rejoicing in the joy
Of beautiful and well-created things;
To love the voice of waters, and the sheen
Of silver fountains leaping to the sea;
To thrill with the rich melody of birds,
Living their life of music; to be glad
In the gay sunshine, reverent in the storm,
To see a beauty in the stirring leaf,

And find calm thoughts beneath the whispering trees;

To see, and hear, and breathe the evidence

Of God's deep wisdom in the natural world,—

This Christ-bought world, wherein His Spirit moves!
N. P. WILLIS.

THE journey to Wales was an important one this time. Beatrice was to be one of Lady Fortrose's family from the day they left London. She joined them early in the morning before starting for the railway station, and was warmly welcomed by the whole party. They had a long day to spend in the train, and everybody who has travelled by railway knows how much difference pleasant, good tempered companions may make in lessening the weariness of such a day.

Beatrice certainly contributed to make this journey pleasant, she was so obliging and full of resource, and