cordially. They were seated according to their respective ranks in the graduating scale. The Squire looked radiant; sables had been hove overboard at once, and all was now peace and happiness. The feast ended. Squire Overdon had the tables cleared, and himself led off the ball, Mrs. Overdon bestowing her hand for the nonce on a bumpkin. Harold selected a beauty, you may depend upon it, and they tripped it merrily, strengthened by the good strong ale which was much more plentiful than water. Egad, nothing now-a-days comes up to the jolly old merry-makings. Time passed on some few months, perhaps, and one morning at the breakfast table the letter-bag arrived; Squire Overdon opened it, and doled out the contents. 66 Hullo," said he, with a smile and sly wink, "here's a foreigner, Harold, from Turin," and he regarded the superscription for a moment, and then remarked, "A man's hand after all-Edgar's, or I'm much mistaken in the confounded pothooks and hangers." Harold opened it, and devoured the contents. "It is from Lord Edgar, and the contents are not agreeable, except in one particular-my presence is desired at once as an especial favour. I'll read it out." Accordingly he commenced:

"MY DEAR HAROLD,

"You must excuse Lady Ruth's anxiety, and to that you must attribute the present epistle. At the same time, I am not quite indifferent, but as anxious to promote your honour and happiness as to secure that of my dear ward. The trying scene (for it must have been trying) with you on board the 'Glenelg,' cost the poor child a severe attack of increased illness; her hopes and affections appear centered in you, and now she seems miserable, almost heart-broken at the separation. Her cheek is pale outwardly she wears a smile, but inwardly she weeps; her nights are sleepless, her pulse throbs unhealthily; however, I need say no more of that. There is but one course left open for you to pursue, and that is (if you can do so honourably, mind) to set off at once, and join us here. Make Ruth happy; restore her to her former self, and I will bless you. Show this to your father, and request him to place no obstacles in your way for my sake. Remember me to him kindly, and also to all your circle. Excuse haste. Come quickly.

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"Yours devotedly,

"GALBRAITH."

'My dear Harold, you must go, and that immediately; sorry as we are to part with you.

Galbraith would not have written in that strain if there were not urgent reasons. I trust in God that you will make her happy.”

in.

The oracle had spoken; all the rest chimed

Overdon was, as all heads of families ought to be, "the oracle." Harold heard what his father had said, but he was very far gone in love and sat for some time pondering on this letter with bewildered mind; and when he realized Ruth's present position, he bent his brow in his hands and gave way to grief. Fortunately others were more thoughtful; the mother had started for his room at once, and with her own hand put his things together for him; then summoning servants, the packages had been fastened down, and were out of the house awaiting the coach which would shortly pass before Harold had collected his ideas sufficiently to think of packing. He had, then, nothing to do but to bid farewell and follow his luggage; the coach pulled up, and he started once more on his pilgrimage.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

RUTH, after having watched the brig which contained Harold, until she was no longer in view, "gave way to painful forebodings as to the future, and those torturing doubts and surmises that are peculiar to us all when engaged in endeavouring to solve and unravel events of the past and future. Her mind was now filled with so many horrors, fancies, and doubts, that when she retired for the night she could not sleep, but during the long hours remained tossing restlessly on her couch, unable even to snatch a few brief moments of slumber. She rose betimes and sought the deck, hoping that the fresh breeze of the morning would restore bloom which had vanished; but on returning to her cabin after a few turns, she found that her mirror still showed her a dull and heavy countenance. This she grieved at, not at the loss to herself, but for the sake of her mother, and she feared also that it might excite embarrassing comments from her guardian upon her health; but the summons to breakfast had been heard, and there was now no help for it; she made up her mind to encounter all as well as she could. She glided

into the saloon, and her colour rose as she saw all had assembled.

"We are waiting for you, my darling," said Lady Ruth; and Ruth hurried and took her seat at the table in a confused manner, and in her very anxiety to escape observation, she drew it upon herself by omitting her morning salutations, from which she had never deviated before. Lord Edgar looked at her steadily for a few moments, and then said:

"You appear agitated this morning, my dear Ruth; you are not well, I fear."

Ruth smiled, and pressing her fingers on her temples, she replied:

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My head is not quite well, that is all, I assure you."

Her guardian shook his head, which made Ruth all the more anxious to force the conversation into another channel, so she compelled herself to smile and assumed her usual vivacious manner. She talked with unnatural fluency, inspiring now both mother and guardian with anxious fears; they became alarmed at her state and were most anxious to arrive and secure advice. They were exceedingly fortunate in the wind, and did arrive at Genoa after a remarkably quick passage, without even taking stoppages into consideration. Tallentire was very handsomely rewarded, in fact his tip enabled