that one might be in them all hours of the day and night without fear of interruption.

Never since I left the sweet cottage in the Isle of Wight had I experienced so much comfort and peace.

Lady Frances was the most considerate and gentle of human beings. Having received a full account of me and my trials and adventures from dear Lady Eustace, in answer to her application, she informed me she was much. pleased that I had fallen under her notice, and that she would do every thing in her power to make me forget my past sorrows. Indeed, her ladyship seemed inclined to spoil me, as did also the indulgent Mrs. Pratt.

The servants, who had all lived many years with this excellent lady, loved as much as they respected her, and served her with a fidelity seldom equalled.

I have frequently heard my companion, Mrs. Pratt, say, that she never saw Lady Frances out of temper, or heard her speak a harsh word to any one, during the many years she had served her; "and yet," added she, " my dear lady has

had her sorrows, but instead of making her cross, they have made her more forbearing towards others."

After I had been some weeks in the house, Mrs. Pratt shewed me the pictures of Lady Frances and her twin sister, when they were I think I never saw two more

about my age. lovely faces.

The head of one sister was lying on the shoulder of the other, with a look of the most expressive fondness.

"That," said Mrs. Pratt, "is my dear lady. Did you ever see such an angel's face?"

She then pointed out to me the picture of a young gentleman in a naval uniform, who, she informed me, was the husband of Lady Sophia Elton, the twin sister of Lady Frances.

She at the same time told me that he had been in early life so much enchanted with the two lovely sisters that it was a puzzle to know which he preferred; while they, equally pleased with the young and noble sailor, (who was the youngest son of an earl,) became both unconsciously in love with him.

It was, however, at last evident to lookerson, that if he had a preference, it was in favour of the Lady Frances. She, kind, noblehearted creature, discovered accidentally that Lady Sophia, as well as herself, was devotedly attached to the young Willoughby.

On the instant, she determined to keep her own feelings a secret, and sacrifice herself for this dear sister. For this purpose, she put a restraint on her manners, and avoided seeing this favoured lover as much as possible, and when they did meet, treated him with so much coldness, that he began to think he had mis taken the frank and affectionate manners she had previously shewn him for tenderer feelings, and he, without difficulty, transferred his wavering affection to Lady Sophia, who received his attentions with undisguised delight, little imagining how much her devoted sister was suffering, and that she had sacrificed herself for her happiness.

Captain Willoughby and Lady Sophia Elton were eventually married. She died in giving birth to a son, whom Lady Frances adopted

and brought up, refusing every offer of marriage.

Captain, afterwards Admiral Willoughby, was killed in an engagement, and thus his son became doubly endeared to his kind aunt.

Mrs. Pratt added that this young man, who was about twenty years of age, was now at Cambridge, but always spent his vacations with his aunt, whom he loved and treated with the duty of a most affectionate son.

Time passed rapidly and happily away, and with December came Mr. Willoughby, to the joy of his gentle aunt.

He inherited the good looks of his father and mother, and appeared also to have all the excellent qualities of his more than mother, Lady Frances.

He was very studious, saw but little company, and devoted himself as much as possible to his incomparable relative.

This was the more praiseworthy, as she had settled the bulk of her fortune upon him, and his dutiful attentions therefore could not be attributed to mercenary motives.

After he had been at the villa about a month, he accompanied his aunt to town, where her ladyship took a suite of rooms at a fashionable hotel for six weeks.

Only Mrs. Pratt, myself, a coachman and page went with them.

Here I led the same easy life I did in the country, and again and again rejoiced that I had bade adieu to the thankless office of a school-room drudge to such persons as Lady McJames and Mrs. Leatherby.

When I read or sung to my kind lady, if her nephew happened to be in the room, he was no restraint to me, as I had fancied he might be, for he continued his writing or reading as if I had not been present, and without taking the slightest notice of me.

I had now frequent opportunities of seeing my first kind friends and benefactors, dear Lady Eustace and Mrs. Davies, and I can scarcely tell which shewed me the most kindness, or seemed most pleased at the happy change in my condition.

I did not fail to call and thank Dr. and Mrs.