apparent displeasure of your friends. Let me entreat you to make the earliest possible enquiry into its cause, and hasten to remove the dark shade they have cast on you, your conduct, and feelings; for, despite your efforts at concealment, I am sure your warm disposition must at times have suffered from their unjust imputations."

"Undoubtedly, sir, I have felt keenly the false accusations of those I love so dearly; but I know I am innocent, and that I can substantiate it as soon as I return to England, which it is my intention to do as quickly as circumstances will permit."

With this Colonel Taylor expressed himself quite content, and proceeded to enter upon various minor subjects, possessing their mean of interest to him. During the two subsequent days, Conrad's time was divided between his military duties and attendance on his father and his friend, whose situations were equally distressing, as Ernest lay in a most dangerous state. Fortunately he was not conscious at the time of the Colonel's dissolution, or the affecting scene which preceded that event might have had a baneful influence on his debilitated

frame. His last hours were calm and undisturbed he had endeavoured to make his peace

:

with an offended God; and having viewed death in many more appalling forms, he watched its approach with firmness, hoping that, though tardy, the acknowledgment of his errors might not be too late.

The great, the noble, and the opulent are ushered to the family vault or monumental tomb amid the waving of sable plumes and attendance of all the solemn ceremonials prescribed by custom, religion, or the respect of relations. The mournful cavalcade, accompanied by its train of carriages, proceeds on its way with that stealthy, noiseless tread, which throws an awful influence on passing objects, and the remains of mortality are consigned to the ground with every circumstance of worldly pride. If any thing can be more impressive, more imposing than this sight, it is the removal of the brave defender of his country to his lowly bed; the heavy, prolonged roll of the muffled drum, in the dead march; the noble charger, which had so often carried the brave soldier to meet his enemies, fully caparisoned, and bearing the boots of the deceased; the helmet, sword,

and various appointments, reposing on the coffin; the long files of brothers in the pale of glory, with arms reversed; and the final act of the treble volley, impart an indescribable feeling of dejection the offspring, perhaps, of the sad music, or, possibly, the grave and mournful aspect of men whose demeanour is generally characterised by reckless disregard of present and coming ills; but, from whatever cause, true it is that a solemnity pervades the whole, even more deep than that which surrounds the last scene of the man of peace.

. Conrad followed his so lately found parent to the bourne whence none return, and with unfeigned regret saw the grave close for ever over his friend and fellow-soldier. Oh, man! why should pride debase thy soul! thy life is but a thread which may in a moment be separated; and, despite thy exaltation, thy wealth, thy wisdom, thou fallest to the level of the worm, which, like thee, must die!

When Ernest recovered his perception, the interment of Colonel Taylor was already concluded, and days passed ere he was able, or when able permitted, to question the kind and attentive Conrad on the subject which occupied

his thoughts; but no sooner was the permission given, and they were left alone, than he eagerly demanded if Colonel Taylor had sanctioned his love. "From your great care of me, Conrad," he said, "I augur favourably, as you know I have nothing I wish to live for, if Emily is forbidden me. Tell me I have not deceived myself with false hopes! Ah! do not look so grave, I will not hear a denial."

"I have not any to give, my good fellow," replied Conrad kindly; "neither have I a positive sanction."

"Then

you have no answer at all?" interrupted the invalid in an interrogatory tone; "that was not acting kindly or honourably by me: I relied on you to obtain an answer to my request."

"Nay, Ernest, have patience. I can make allowance for your irritability, for I believe you love my sister." Ernest's eyes testified the satisfaction he felt at this declaration, but he did not speak, and our hero continued. "Although my father did not consider it consonant with his so lately acknowledged character of parent to dispose of Emily, knowing Mr. Yorke's opinion on the subject, yet he has

deputed me to advance the business as much as lies in my power, and if possible soften Mr. Yorke's anger. This I will endeavour to do; but you must not be in haste, my dear Ernest, for, at present, I scarcely know how I myself stand with all at home. My plan is to go to England as soon as you are able to travel, and other duties permit; when every step shall be taken to forward Emily's and your happiness."

"Conrad," replied Ernest, pressing his friend's hand, "you know not how much I thank you. I have always looked upon you as something far my superior; and now that you promise to assist me, I feel quite willing to await your time, anxious as I am, because I know you never uttered a word you did not intend to act up to, to the very letter. I place myself, my hopes and fears, entirely at your disposal."

"Well," answered Conrad, gaily, "we shall see, my boy, what sort of a pupil you will prove; but you must allow me, if I take your case in hand, to dispense with your fears, since we are told faint heart never won fair lady: I dare say all will go right in time, although our horoscopes are rather dim in the way of home just now. We may mutually assist each other, so prepare