tute condition, as he remarked: "I fear | dignity in your deportment, sir, and I think you will pass." you will not suit me, madam. You see I am rather blunt, and wish to procure the services of some one that can teach me some of the requisite accomplishments of a man of fashion." The day at length arrived. Mr. Thompson, with splendid carriage, and servants in livery, made his first appearance in the company of the English gentry. Ma "I think, sir, that I can suit you in jor Weldon, the gentleman of whom he that particular. Pray, try me." purchased his mansion, was first to re "Have you ever lived in the house of cognize him. "Glad to see you, Mr. the high-bred, madam?" "I cannot answer your question, sir; but try me, and you shall have no reason to regret it." "What is your name, madam?" "Adair, sir." "Very well, Mrs. Adair; you can of ficiate as my teacher in etiquette, and if you give satisfaction, I will retain you as my seamstress and waiting-maid. I will not be hard-only put a polish on me. I am going to the grand festival in Liverpool, where all the fashionable gentry will be congregated, and I wish to make as good an impression among them as possible." Thompson; permit me to introduce you to my cousin, Miss Frank, sister to Sir James Frank." After a few remarks to Miss Frank of a complimentary nature, Mr. Thompson took the Major's arm, and walked through the superb drawing-room; the Major introducing him to as many of the ladies as were known to himself. Struck with the beauty and magnificent appearance of the ladies, Mr. Thompson came to the conclusion that he could find Mrs. Thompson without difficulty, among the fashionable group. His heart was in his throat, as he came again in contact with Miss Frank, who recognized him "Very well, sir: how long is it before with a smile: "Do you find the enterthe eventful day?" tainment as pleasant as you anticipated, Mr. Thompson?" "Two weeks. I think I'll commence to-morrow, so as to be familiar with the necessary preliminaries." Two weeks of hard toil found Mr. Thompson somewhat improved in manners, and considerable light began to dawn on his dark vision. Mrs. Adair was indeed a very competent and faithful teacher. “Mrs. Adair, I don't know whether I can remember the half you have told me: my head is so full that I am considerably bothered," suggested Mr. Thomp son. "It is certainly exquisite to me, and pleasant beyond my anticipation," Mr. Thompson remarked, as he accepted a vacant seat by the side of Miss Frank. Throwing himself in as favorable an attitude as possible, and endeavoring to call to mind as much of Mrs. Adair's instructions as he could with certainty; he made several attempts to play the agreeable, but made many sad blunders. Miss Frank's good breeding, however, restored his self-confidence. Miss Frank was rather prepossessing in her appearance; although forty, she had a juvenile look; her fine false teeth, and luxuriant wig set off her plump, round face to great advantage. Mr. Thompson was in love at first sight; and he determined to make a favorable impression on the heart of Miss Frank if A smile of mirth passed over the melancholy face of Mrs. Adair, as she surveyed from time to time the awkward blunders of her pupil. Mr. Thompson was too fully occupied with his improvement to notice the changes that passed over her sorrowful countenance. "Do you think, Mrs. Adair, that I im- possible. The remainder of the evening prove?" she had his undivided attention. She Certainly, sir: a little more ease and appeared pleased with the rich Mr. Thompson, and they parted with an agreement to form a better acquaintance. He did not wait many days before he improved the privilege of calling on her, to make love in most tender terms. Miss Frank, after keeping him in suspense two months, was afraid the disease would prove fatal, and concluded to wed her distressed lover. A grand wedding, and their happiness was consummated. He had been successful beyond his anticipations; being married to a boronet's sister, and cousin to Maj. Weldon. Certainly his lot had been cast in pleasant places. A bridal tour was taken to France, during the honey-moon. A few months and Mr. and Mrs. Thompson began to think of returning to their mansion in England. Nothing of importance happened on their journey homeward. After a brief home residence, Mrs. Thompson began to doubt the propriety of her husband's politeness to his servant, Mrs. Adair. That she was a lady that had seen better days, she was convinced. She possessed accomplishments that were only acquired in the first classes of society. She knew, too, that English bachelors were not as pure in all respects as they might be. With these mysteries unrevealed, Mrs. Thompson attributed Mr. Thompson's respect and sympathy to a wrong cause. In several instances, she threw out some cutting remarks to Mrs. Adair, into whose heart they sank deeply. Her destitute situation precluded resentment; and, stifling her feelings, she endeavored to perform her duties as lady's-maid to Mrs. Thompson; to whom her dignified and lady-like demeanor was galling. She could not make a humble servant out of her, although she required many humbling services; but for the support of her innocent child, what would she not suffer? The trials to which she was subjected made sad inroads on the frail and delicate constitution of the unfortunate Mrs. Adair. At length Mrs. Thompson could endure it no longer, and she determined to dismiss her, and get another that would not annoy her with her proud airs. Calling Mrs. Adair, she told her that she must get another situation, for she wanted her no longer. "There is a considerable amount my due, Mrs. Thompson," said Mrs. Adair, "and I cannot leave without some remuneration for my labor." I "I do not know what you have done; am sure you have not earned your board since I have been mistress of this dwelling. Perhaps Mr. Thompson can tell your merits better than I can." With these insulting remarks, she ordered Mrs. Adair out of her presence, to her exceeding distress of mind. She had received nothing from Mrs. Thompson for nearly a year's service, and was considerably indebted for her child's maintenance; and she knew the poor woman who cared for her child could ill afford to lose it. What should she do? While these distressing thoughts were occupying her mind, as she was seated in her own room, she heard footsteps approaching. Mrs. Thompson made her appearance, and in an angry tone commanded her to take her bundle and be off. Mrs. Adair replied— "You will not, surely, be so unkind as to turn me off without paying me!" "You have not earned any thing," said Mrs. Thompson. "Take her to the halldoor, Jane," (speaking to a coarse-looking servant,) "and put her out, and throw her bundle after her!" "I will go," said Mrs. Adair, "if you will but permit me to see Mr. Thompson. I am sure he will not refuse to pay me." "See my husband, indeed, and settle with him! That is a fine idea! I dare say you would like to see HIM! I'll nip your business with him in the bud!away with you, this minute!" And fitting the action to the word, she closed the door on her, and threw her bundle after her. Poor Mrs. Adair! Penniless and heart-broken, she knew not which way to go; her indebtedness for her child's food and care bore heavily on her mind. In her destitute situation, she knew her child would be homeless as well as herself. In this friendless position, poor Mrs. Adair sat down under a hedge, unable to proceed farther; and, giving way to her grief in tears, she knew not that night was fast approaching; but as darkness was closing around her, she partially recovered herself, and arose to her feet, unconscious where she was. Calling her distracted thoughts together, she remembered her destitution. Again sinking upon the ground, her limbs refused to move; and, as the darkness deepened around her, she knew not which way to go. All that cold night she lay beneath the hedge, without the least extra covering; and, chilled and benumbed, her delicate frame sunk under this last heavy stroke. Her dark, luxuriant curls hung in masses over her unconscious forehead; her inanimate and still beautiful face lay on the cold ground. Mr. Thompson, when on his morning walk, was not aware that his tender spouse had turned the defenceless widow from his dwelling. To his surprise he found the sufferer he had discovered by the way-side to be Mrs. Adair; unable to give the least cause why she should be found in this peculiar situation, he returned quickly to the mansion to procure a conveyance to take her there. On returning to the place where he had left her, he soon discovered that she was perfectly unconscious; and, taking her home, he placed her in her own room, and called a physician. Mrs. Thompson affected to be ignorant of the cause of Mrs. Adair's leaving the house, and being found in the hedge. It was now evident that the grave would soon close over her and her bitter trials. She never revived, but grew weaker and weaker until her pure spirit took its flight to a world of rest. After her interment she was almost forgotten, when a woman called and inquired after Mrs. Adair; she was informed by the servant that Mrs. Adair was dead and buried more than a month ago. The aged visitor appeared exceed ingly distressed at this unwelcome news. "I would like very much to see Mrs. Thompson," said the old lady. "Your name, madam," said the servant. "Mrs. Whitlow." The servant instantly departed and soon returned, with Mr. Thompson's compliments, and that he would see her in the library. Mrs. Whitlow was soon ushered into the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. "I understand, madam, that you are making inquiries about Mrs. Adair." "Yes, sir," replied Mrs. Whitlow, in answer to Mr. T.'s question, 66 I have come on particular business with Mrs. Adair." "Have you been long acquainted with her?" asked Mr. Thompson. "I have known her for four years, sir; and part of the time I have had her child boarding with me, for which she is indebted to me a considerable amount; she has not paid me for several months, and my circumstances are such that it will be hard for me to lose it; besides, I shall have to put her child in the poor-house." "Well," said Mr. Thompson, "I will pay you for keeping the child, but I wish you to give me an account of all you know of Mrs. Adair's history." "Well, sir, I heard her say she was born in Madrid, and married against her father's will, and that her husband was an Englishman; that after they had lived together two years their limited funds were so far exhausted as to make it necessary for her husband to make exertions for their support. After several unsuccessful attempts to engage in some business in Madrid, he was under the necessity of leaving her and her child with a friend, while he went in search of a new home; and that was the last certain intelligence she ever had of him. Once she was informed that he was in Liverpool, and she went there at once to seek him, and this is the cause of her being in this country; but in this she was disappointed, as she could gain no clue of his ever having been in Liverpool. This is all I know of Mrs. | in the lid. Pressing her finger on the Adair." Here a pause ensued, which was broken by Mrs. Whitlow, with the inquiry "What had I better do with the child, sir? it is a pity to put her in the poor-house, as she is very delicate." "What say you, Mrs. Thompson," said Mr. Thompson, "that we take the child?" "Do as you please, but be sure and have her bound in such a manner that no one can interfere." "Well, Mrs. Whitlow," replied Mr. Thompson, "you may send the child to us, and here is your money; be sure and send her here to-morrow, with all her effects." spring, there opened a little cavity which contained the key. She took the key, and immediately unlocked the box. What was her surprise at finding several fine miniatures, that she knew by their dress were Spanish nobles! There was also a roll of papers, written in the Spanish language, and in beautiful style,-several letters, a singular manuscript, and something that resembled an old will,— were tied together with a black ribbon. Not being able to read the Spanish language fluently, her unsatisfied curiosity was excited to its highest bounds. She determined, however, to conceal these from her husband until she could hear them read by some capable person, thinking that they were papers of importance and value. She determined, if such was the case, to appropriate them to herself, if possible; and putting the papers in a safe place, she left the box, with the min "Mrs. Whitlow left the mansion, well pleased with her success in obtaining the money for the child's maintenance, and for the prospect of freeing herself from the responsibilities of its care. Agreeable to promise, the child was sent to Mr. Thompson the following day. Mr. Thomp-iatures, for her husband's inspection. son not being at home, she was taken to Mrs. Thompson's room. As soon as she saw the child, when Jane led her by the hand towards her, her dislike to the child's mother made her harsh to the poor orphan. "What is your name?" said Mrs. riosity was not easily excited, placed the Thompson. papers back again into the box, and put On Mr. Thompson's returning and entering the room, she showed him the box and the pictures; and he, seeing nothing very peculiar to his imagination, reclosed it and gave it back to his wife. Mrs. Thompson, glad that her husband's cu "Ella Adair,” replied the affrightened it away for further investigation. child. "Ella Adair!" said Mrs. Thompson, "I was in hopes that I should never hear that hateful name again. Call one of the servants, Jane, to take her away, and take care of her." A few months passed, and Mr. Thompson was the happy father of a pair of fine daughters: a splendid christening at the mansion, and the two little favorites were called Julia and Juliette. Time wore on, and Mrs. Thompson had not yet found any proper person to read the manuscripts, and her curiosity began Another year, "What things were brought with her, Jane?" "There lays the little bundle, at the somewhat to subside. door." "Bring it here, and let me examine it. I don't think there is any thing in the whole bundle that is fit for any thing but the fire; yet, let me see: oh, yes, here is a curious ebony box. I wonder what there is in it!" She found the box was locked, and on examining it carefully, he accidentally discovered a little spring and a son was added to their family. Mr. Thompson's joy was unbounded at the prospect of his name being handed down to posterity. Another christening, and the young heir was honored with the name of James Frank. Although Mr. Thompson was quite satisfied with three christenings, yet again, in the space of four years more Mrs. Thompson favored and Helen. him with two more children-Lawrence | to Mrs. Thompson's orders, Ella studied all the time she could spare. The gov erness was pleased with her success and ever quick comprehension, and took especial pleasure in instructing Ella. Her clearness in understanding the mysteries of knowledge, induced the old governess to afford her every possible opportunity in her every study. How sweetly she sung! Her old friends were never tired of hearing her gentle voice, or looking at her sweet, intelligent face. Ella repaid her a thousand times for the interest she took in her. When the old governess was at her wits'-end to know how to quiet the turbulent dispositions of the young Thompsons, Ella, by her gentleness, would restore them to good nature and quietness. Poor Ella found constant employment in the nursery of the young Thompsons. Her gentle, loving heart found ample development in the care of these little ones. In all their troubles they found a sympathizing friend in Ella. Seven years of hard servitude Ella had now passed in the house of her bondage. No favor was shown her from either Mrs. Thompson or the servants. As for Mr. Thompson, he kept himself aloof from in-doors business, as domestic storms too often occurred after his first attempt to inquire into such matters. Ella was remarkable for her sweet temperament under the most trying circumstances. She was tall of her age, and remarkably handsome; her large, dark, but mild expressive eyes set off her beautiful complexion; naturally graceful in all her movements, her lady-like appearance was the cause of Mrs. Thompson drawing many comparisons between Ella and her own children, and she could not but observe the natural superiority of Ella, over her own; and this consciousness caused her to feel a deeper hatred towards the dependent orphan. No one feeling of sympathy did she know; but, determined upon a greater degree of severity, knowing that Ella had learned to read before she was bound to her, and that she improved every opportunity afforded her in reading all the books that she could find. That Ella constantly improved, Mrs. Thompson could not but observe; and it became necessary now for her to procure a governess for the other children. Lest Ella should be benefited by the instructions of the new governess, she gave her particular orders not to instruct Ella, under any circumstances whatever, alleging that it would unfit her for her position as a servant. The old governess, in spite of Mrs. Thompson's injunctions, could not but answer Ella's questions, when unable to solve the meaning herself. Ella's gentleness soon won upon the heart of the governess, and, contrary In an unlucky moment, Mrs. Thompson heard the old governess instructing Ella; and her chagrin can better be imagined than described. The old governess was immediately dismissed, for "such an unpardonable outrage; " but Mrs. Thompson could not now recall the instructions Ella had received for the two years past. (Continued.) A THOUGHT. Upon a mountain Hath this fountain set,— Heavenward forever. A. J. N. |