"Well, I always said she would suffer for such folly," rejoined the malicious Lucy; "I never could find out what charms she possessed more than other people. Sure, she could not be called handsome! She has certainly fine eyes, and that is all." "Fie! fie!" was pronounced by Mr.. O'Byron in a tone of such marked displeasure, as imposed silence on his daughters, whose chagrin was considerably increased by Sir William's adding "Be assured, ladies, whatever may be your opinion of Laura, with our sex she could not fail of being an object of general attention; and when I think of her good sense, her uncommon talents, her charming temper, and sensibility, together with the enchanting graces of her conversation and manners, so much am I her admirer, that even Captain Athol cannot be much more grieved at her loss than I am; for Laura was one of those whose whose society I hoped would bless the evening of my life." Silence prevailed, envy hung its head, and bitter sarcasm stood abashed. Clarinda gratefully pressed Sir William's hand, and endeavoured to console. Mrs. O'Byron, who sat dejectedly, scarcely sensible of what was passing. Mr. O'Byron then recovering himself, went with Sir William in quest of Albany and the unhappy Athol, and found them with all the men servants, dragging the lake and the fish-pond. After which, they collected all the villagers they could, and dispersed them different ways through the surrounding country, in melancholy pursuit of the fugitive, joining eagerly in the search themselves. The ladies then sat down dejectedly to breakfast; for even the Miss O'Byrons were not quite at ease on the subject of Laura's disappearing; some secret regrets mingling with the belief that they were rid of a dreaded rival, in a way to them less mortifying mortifying than seeing her wedded before either of them had ever gained a serious lover. Whilst these reflections occupied the daughters' minds, in that of their mother and Clarinda the most painful anxiety was excited for the uncertain fate of her ~~ much and deservedly endeared to them. CHAP. CHAP. VI. "Oh, can you think of nothing dearer to me, THE day, which was to have been de voted to bridal festivity at the Hall, passed in sadness, and gloomy anxiety, and expectation; and night arrived before the return of the gentlemen. When at length they appeared, grief and disappointment marked their features, and the poignancy of Captain Athol's agony of mind admitted not of consolation. The The wild expression of his eye, the paleness of his aspect, his dishevelled hair, his disordered dress, and starts of frenzied grief, struck Clarinda with horror; and while her heart sympathized in his sorrow, she trembled for the consequences with a character like his, impetuous and ardent by nature, and all his strong affections, all his best hopes of earthly happiness having centered in Laura; for the prospect of calling her his own, had elevated his spirit in battle, and inspired him with courage to signalize himself, to obtain his best reward-her favour able opinion, smile, and love, and share with her his laurels. After a continuance of some weeks at the Hall, every day of which was devoted to the endeavour of discovering some trace of Laura, some clue to guide them to a knowledge of the cause that had deprived them of her, wearied at length by fruitless enquiries and vague surmises, Athol gave up the search in despondency, and the |