her grave; for she had been, while at the Lodge, and during her whole life, the friend of the distressed, and the blessings of the poor and afflicted followed her steps. Clarinda, in her lonely walks, frequently before her companions were risen, visited the church-yard, and sat down by the grave of her departed friend; for though so lately known to Mrs. Ethelwood, the similarity of their minds had endeared them extremely to each other. One morning, Lionel surprised her at his mother's grave in tears. The first glow of astonishment on his countenance was quickly succeeded by the pallid hue of heartfelt grief; and while he mourned his mother's death, admiration of Clarinda's character animated his features. He sat on the earth beside her, he leant down with his face upon the sod, and moistened it with his tears. Clarinda wept in mournful sympathy. He forgot the severe injunctions of his father, to be guarded guarded against the attractions of the charming maid of the Castle; and as she arose, he pressed her hand to his lips, and imprinted upon it a glowing kiss. In the next moment, the impropriety of his conduct smote upon his heart, and with severe self-accusations, he most earnestly besought Clarinda's pardon, who, with averted eyes, walked slowly on in silence. "Another time then," he cried, "another time, perhaps, pure and angelic as you are, you may deign to pardon him, who respects you too much ever to know one moment of peace, while conscious of having justly incurred your displeasure!"' -He paused, and raising his dark eyes he said in a voice almost choked by emotion-Sainted mother! is it to thy hallowed grave that I come to offend the purity of female delicacy, for the first time in my life!" The The big drops fell over his cheek. Cla rinda looked up, and started at the paleness of his aspect, and the wild expression of his eye. His looks and his manner affected her powerfully. A few words of consolation sprang to her lips; but just as she was about to give them utterance, Sir William met them. Lionel looked abashed; and Clarinda started again, and blushed deeper than before. Sir William returned the respectful bow of Lionel, and informed Clarinda that he had been in search of her, in many of her favourite, walks. She forced a sort of melancholy smile, and putting her arm within that of Sir William, wished Lionel a good morning, who, ill at ease in mind, bent his steps slowly to the Lodge. Sir William questioned Clarinda about Lionel more than he had ever done before, and asked particularly how they had met that morning. "Chance "Chance had directed them to the same spot in their walks," she replied. "I advise you to avoid this youth as much as possible," said Sir William very seriously. Clarinda looked up with surprise and confusion. "He is amiable and handsome," observed Sir William, "and I can see he does not behold you with indifference; but to encourage any particular liking between you, would only be to render you both completely wretched; for Mr. Ethelwood assuredly would oppose any union with my family, nor should I much approve an alliance with his." "Dear Sir, believe me, your fears are groundless," said Clarinda with trembling hesitation. "I doubt not either your sincerity or your prudence," observed Sir William tenderly; "but, my dear child, I wish to guard you against the most distant approach |