family. Kate's love for Edward ; the principles which had induced her to conceal that love from her mother ; the unfounded report of Edward's marriage, and his devoted affection for Kate.
With what wonder did she listen to his tale ! with what eagerness she seemed to drink in every word he said ! and when at last he told her that the stranger who then knelt beside her daughter's couch, was that same Edward, her countenance suddenly brightened, and she exclaimed, clasping his hand,
66 Then, my dear boy, there is hope !"
That despairing mother too returned to the couch with a smile upon her face ; and when she saw the agonizing suspense, the deep devotion depicted on the countenance of him , that now stood somewhat apart as though feeling himself an intruder, she thought the heart and feelings written on that brow worth almost all her child had suffered. But again her thoughts were bent upon her daughter, who was showing signs of returning life ; and as she gradually raised herself from her reclining position, she turned to Emily and whispered,
"Is he there still ?"
But her mother heard the question, and answered,
"Yes, dearest !"
As if surprised at hearing him alluded to by her mother, she almost started up, and rubbing her eyes as though to awake herself, and looking round, not seeing him she sought, for he stood behind her, she sunkdown again, and muttered, "I thought it was a dream." "Not a dream, my sweet child. See, he is here." Again she opened her eyes, and looking around at each and all of the anxious faces that stood around her, an exclamation of joy burst from her lips as her brother clasped her in his arms, and muttered, "God bless you and him !” and a look so full of happiness and peace, lit up her lovely face, that with one accord those around now fell upon their knees, and with hands clasped and eyes upturned to Heaven, breathed forth a prayer of peace and gratitude to Him who had wrought so blessed a change. But now Edward Dalrymple, although the expression of woe had given place to one of happiness, still continued apart, seemingly fearful, and uncertain how to act. But all eyes were fixed upon him, and Mrs. Llewellyn with tearful eyes went up to him, and with a tremulous voice said, " The cause of the sorrow that has so long darkened this house has been, for the first time, revealed to me this evening ; and I believe I need no apology if, in welcoming you as the messenger of returning happiness, I now lead you to that couch, and place in your hand that of one, who having found no heart on earth to match her own save yours, had well nigh sought her kindred spirits in the world above. But now, with the blessing of God, she may live to
| rejoice in the love of him in whom she so rightly placed her happiness ; and, oh ! may the fervent blessing of a grateful mother rest on your heads, my children ; and may the joy you feel on earth, be only equalled by the bliss that shall repay you in another world, for a life spent in holiness and peace !" Ere her blessing was completed, Kate was clasped to that breast, which had only beat for glory and for her. In three months, Glyndervin was resounding with preparations for the wedding ; and was it not worth all she had suffered, when joyous faces and fervent blessings lined her path to the altar of her parish church, where, with all the solemnity befitting the occasion, and all the timidity of a gentle girl, she plighted her vows to the noble Sir Edward Dalrymple, the hero of a hundred fights ; and when she returned, at the expiration of the honeymoon, to be present at the marriage of her brother and Emily Melville, no one would have thought the spring time of her life had been o'ershadowed by so dark a cloud.
THE WIDOWED MOTHER . BESIDE her babe, who sweetly slept, A widow'd mother sat and wept O'er years of love gone by; And as the sobs thick-gathering came, She murmur'd her dead husband's name 'Mid that sad lullaby. Well might that lullaby be sad, For not one single friend she had On this cold-hearted earth ; The sea will not give back its prey,And he was wrapt in foreign clay Who gave the orphan birth. Steadfastly as a star doth look Upon a little murmuring brook, She gazed upon the bosom And fair brow of her sleeping son ;" Oh merciful Heaven ! when I am gone, Thine is this earthly blossom !" While thus she sat-a sunbeam broke Into the room ;-the babe awoke, And from his cradle smiled ! Ah me ! what kindling smiles met there, I know not whether was more fair The mother or her child : With joy fresh sprung from short alarms, The smiler stretched his rosy arms, And to her bosom leapt ; All tears at once were swept away, And, said a face as bright as day, ..'Forgive me—that I wept !" Sufferings there are from Nature sprung, Ear hath not heard, nor Poet's tongue May venture to declare ; But this as Holy Writ is sure, " The grief she bids us here endure, WILSON. She can herself repair!"
