and affable man. He conversed with the President, but in reality only for Edla, whose countenance and look he watched continually. By his general deportment towards her, he really gave strong reasons to believe that he intended to make her an offer of his hand and heart.

We will now pay a visit to the window and observe what is passing there.

The Baroness Alexandrina, somewhat narrowminded, somewhat conceited, somewhat affected-in a word, somewhat mediocre, is making some commonplace reflections on the signs of the time, and of the prevailing mania for "stirring up" everything and leaving nothing at rest.

Her cousin Count Louis, somewhat proud and somewhat stiff in his behaviour towards her, replied pompously and evasively, or not at all.

"Gentlemen," said Alexandrina, with a sweet voice, "always wish to have the rule and the sway, and would turn the world up side down. They kindle bloody wars only to gratify their ambition, and think little of all the misery they occasion, or of us poor women, who are obliged to be quiet."

"When a mighty will marks out its own path," replied Count Louis, "all petty considerations must give way; and it is not for the hero who fights for the weal of millions, to care about a few cats mewing, or a few women lamenting over it."

"Good heavens ! How strangely cousin Louis speaks! Nina, what say you to it?"

"I say, that I think he is right," replied Nina with a melodious bashful voice; "but . . .

"Well, but? . . . ."

"But that it might have been better expressed," continued Nina, deeply blushing.

Count Louis also blushed quickly, whilst he said: "Mam'selle Nina does not belong to that class of women for whom that expression was intended; she would know how to submit quietly to what is necessary."

"I don't know.... I fear I am as weak as any body; the necessity of war is strange. Why must it be a necessity? Why must there needs be the oppressor and the oppressed?"

"Because such is the course of the world," replied Louis, coldly, "and we cannot alter it."

"If you would only wage war with the Turks," said Alexandrina, "it would not be so bad, for they are a detestable people who ought to be driven out of Europe. Their abominable religion positively permits them to drown women who have committed an error. Ha! Nina, have you read that anecdote in the last journal of fashion ?—it actually disturbed my rest for the night.”

"Perhaps you are more pleased with the humanity and freedom of manners which prevailed in most Christian France at the time of Orleans and Louis XV ?" said Count Louis, with a bitter ironical smile. "I confess that in this matter, I rather hold with the views of the Turks?"

Nina was again called upon by Alexandrina, but refused to express her opinion. Within herself she enquired, whether there is no medium between laxity and cruelty, and the remarks and expressions of Count Louis now, as frequently before, inspired her with a feeling of dejection.

More visitors arrived. Nina was asked to sing. She did so immediately, and her voice weak, but indescribably sweet, awakened an involuntary emotion

among the auditors, and prompted one of them to say: "Mamselle Nina has a tear in her voice."

And in truth this expression might very well be applied to her whose whole character was lovely, but melancholy, and reminded one of a supernatural being banished, however, from its heavenly home. Atleast, those who had any touch of poetry in them thought so; and we confess that one of the company, who was much too corpulent, considered her only "sad looking;" and though well-meaning, expressed his apprehensions respecting her health. When Nina, however, spoke a few words with him, he could not help looking enraptured and happy. Generally speaking, Nina appeared gladly and easily to adapt and accommodate herself to the wishes of all: one might be inclined to ask whether she had a will of her own, or if she really lived for herself at all.

After the impression of the song had died away, and the company had regained their usual tone, conversations arose respecting some affairs of state, and soon also some disputes. Edla, as usual, was silent; but whilst she listened with interest to the disputants, her eye followed Nina with maternal disquiet. When the voices grew louder and the noise greater, she saw her suddenly turn pale and lean her head against the wall. Soon Edla was at her side, and whispered: "Are you tired?"

Silently Edla

66 Yes," was Nina's faint answer. drew her arm through her own, and withdrew with her to her room. Edla then came back to the visitors, but only with half her soul, the other half dwelt with Nina. Count Louis approached her, and enquired peevishly: "What is the matter again?"

"A faintness. She is not yet accustomed to be among so much company, and cannot bear the noise of so many voices."

"But do you not think that imagination has a great share in these attacks, and that a little compulsion, in order to accustom her to self-government, would be salutary?"

"No-Nina needs not to be compelled. She is too truthful, too simple-minded, to practise affectation, too excellent not to conquer her feelings, if she could, thereby give pleasure to others. Time, patience, an affectionate and prudent treatment will have a sure, although a slow effect."

"You are the best judge," said Count Louis, "but I fear . . . ."

"What?-what do you fear?"

"That by too great forbearance and indulgence you let Nina dream away her life. Without effort and exertion we cannot acquire the capability of conquering ourselves. I fear you effeminate Nina."

Count Louis's words went to Edla's heart; no reproach could be more painful to her, and the impression of it was perhaps the cause of a degree of sharpness mingling with her disquiet, when after all the visitors had left, she again sought Nina.

Nina had unbound her soft light hair, but seemed to have forgotten to arrange it for the night. She had buried her face in her hands, resting both her arms on the table. Her hair flowed in rich waves over her finely rounded, snow-white arms. Thus she sat for some time dreaming, rather than thinking, and her breast heaved with smothered sighs. Her general appearance moved Edla, her severity melted in her heart.

defend shing vs Fitla's cutrance, but a hand which inded over her bead, caused her

and he cys met Edla's kind, inquiring The 1: Was as comme cùng uncommonly tender in

i was a chord in Nina's

ĝia mica to the least touch of sympathy. con Pala's arms and looked up to

paid countenance, on which dileges and a band on me ancholy joy were mingled. wielole?" inquired Edla, sick lova valm Vides hacia and decided demeanour farmed a as men balite Co to that of Nina, which was almost dismÏysa sa mec404, and in melancholy. Ide tu brom my

." replied Nina,—“ I

It seems as if clouds They disquiet me."

have they a decided form, or

Nol- at least not cleat, but they come frequently; I would that i could pencuate them, me a brightness, which I veam after. me what is life ? what it is to live ***

they veil from Ah, Edla! tell

"Life, my good child, is a warfare. To live, means to develop our talents our power to do good.”

But happiness, Edla, what is happiness?"

"To be master of ourselves to have freedom and peace in our souls."

But, Edla, what is enjoyment, what is joy? How perienced? whence does it come? I sometimes it were a thirst, and yet know not for what. like to feel life easy, and to be happy."

me good hoo

d Edla, with cor