Old Lady Ravensden had long been aware of the position in which her daughter-inlaw's sister stood to Lord D'Arville, hence the mysterious influence she exercised over him, and for the sake of her family she was naturally most anxious that his lordship should marry the unfortunate Ellen; but, bring about the one marriage, or prevent the other was more than her ladyship with all her diplomacy could effect.

CHAPTER XVIII.

"My heart's so full of Joy,

That I shall do some wild extravagance

Of Love in public; and the foolish world

Which knows not Tenderness, will think me mad."

DRYDEN.

"From that day forth, in Peace and joyous Blisse They lived together long without debate;

No private Jarre, no spite of Enemies,

Could shake the safe assurance of their state."

SPENSER.

MISS COMPTON was married to her cousin Charles, at St. George's, Hanover Square.

Never had I seen her look so lovely, as on that eventful occasion, her beauty, usually so dazzling, assumed in that hour a softer character.

The airy veil fell over her radiant form like a gentle mist, giving an undefinable charm to every movement; but it was not that alone, but the feelings from within revealing themselves the "joy mixed with trembling," the smile which played on her lip, while tears like diamonds glistened in her dark eyes, the deep, deep tenderness, imparting a faint languor to her frame, all this it was, which made her as a young bride so interesting.

Charles looked earnest and grave during the ceremony, but when fairly off in the carriage, he was mad, as Leila afterwards said; his electrical spirit could bear restraint no longer, and he laughed and sang and conducted himself in the most eccentric manner possible.

The marriage of Miss Compton, was of course a very gay affair, as regarded the company and all the arrangements, and no guest contributed more to the pleasure of the party than old Lady Ravensden, who was richly and gaily dressed on this occasion, and wore such a warm kind smile, that it eclipsed the brightness of her raiment.

As usual, too, she was jocular, and jocularity like cheerful colours became her. She preserved the ceremony from having the appearance, which it too often has, of a solemn sacrifice, and made every one feel easy under the painful circumstances.

And Isola? Isola ?

My property had indeed disappeared, and my guardian had gone to give an account, before a more awful tribunal than any to which I could have summoned him. The plan proposed of sueing his executors would not have availed in restoring my fortune, as Lord D'Arville's affairs were discovered to be in a ruinous state, and Lionel was opposed to any step of the kind being taken.

He came into possession of his father's property, which had been left to his motherthe countess, of course, signing it over to him; and furthermore, the government of the day rewarded, for a wonder, the right person, and bestowed a good appointment upon one of the country's best servants-upon him, whom I had the honour and happiness of calling my affianced.

But one anxiety remained, as a cloud in my bright heaven-the mystery of my birth, and it was the eve of my bridal ere the long-looked for packet-letter arrived, which was to decide the painful question.

It enclosed the certificate of my parent's marriage, procured after some difficulty, in the old city of Mexico.

*

We were married at a little village church, without pomp or ceremony.

It was quiet there. A holy calm seemed to dwell amongst the antique arches and shadowy aisles; but the air was full of pleasant sounds, as of the voices of the soul's loved companions.

The gentle breeze murmured amongst the green branches which hung tremulously at the open window, making sweetest music. amongst the fluttering leaves, and bringing on its wings echoes of deeper-toned melody from the adjacent woods. A silvery brook babbled by, with its sing-song story of life; the birds warbled a rich anthem as we plighted our vows. There was no cloud in the blue heaven; and the summer sun shone down glowingly