been long expected in England-but this does not carry me to London."

"I see but one way," said Mrs. Vernon; "you cannot go alone-none of us dare accompany you but Miss Goddard can-I will take the responsibility of this plan—and also of Lucy and Inez Morton, till her return."

"Dear Mrs. Vernon-" said Constance, starting up.

"Stop and listen; you must both walk to the place from which your mamma and I set out; it is several miles distant-and it will, at once, try your boasted strength."

"Oh! if Miss Goddard will kindly disregard it," returned Constance, anxiously.

"I will answer for her; she is a most experienced traveller, and quite old enough to be considered a sufficient escort. I will, today, arrange that-now, dear child, have you money ?"

Yes, quite enough for the journey."

We linger not on the parting with Dawson, nor on the struggle that arose in the mind and heart of Constance, as she looked her last look on all familiar objects-but she faltered not in her resolve; and thus, without disguise, and apparently without fear, did she take her first independent step into the world.

CHAPTER XIII.

"What sacrifice of reverence, duty, watching,
Although I could put off the use of sleep.
What dangers, though in ne'er so horrid shapes,
Can I, and with a thankful willingness, suffer."

Massinger.

MISS GODDARD would not admit that this hasty departure could the least inconvenience her; and by gradually calling the attention of Constance from her own troubles, saved her from finding the journey very tedious.

They arrived so late, that Mrs. Templeton was preparing for bed; but scarcely had Miss Newman announced the new comer, before Constance was on her bosom. No matter what had brought her, joy was the result. She asked no questions then, it was enough that she looked on her treasure, and felt her warm embrace. "My pale darling," she mur-, mured, and again she showered kisses on that sorrowful young face.

'But Miss Goddard, who has been so kind,

dearest mamma, throw on your shawl, and let us thank her, and send messages to the friends who so truly and steadily cling to us. Ah! Miss Newman," as that lady entered, you have another claimant on your good

ness.

Not one too many, my dear-Miss Goddard will leave directly-she is used to eating and sleeping in a carriage-bid her adieu, and then I shall order you some refreshment and bed."

"Let me share mamma's room, may I?" And after having informed them both of the event that had driven her forth a wanderer, sweet was the sleep that fell on her fair lids.

Not so her mother; who complained of violent head-ache, which increased so much, that being accompanied with feverish symptoms, their kind hostess sent for the family doctor, whose fears of illness were soon verified.

A month of danger succeeded, with several days of agonized suspense; during which Mrs. Templeton seemed haunted by the terrible sounds of her husband's frantic outbreak in her rooms at the Priory.

At last, a gracious Providence sent a blessing with the remedies; fever subsided, and the danger was over. But so much had she been enfeebled, and so greatly had the nervous

VOL. III.

M

system been overtried and shaken, that still the greatest care was needed.

And Constance—who can tell what a dreadful time that had been to her? the whole

responsibility of decision rested on her. Friends might suggest and advise, but she could alone dictate and decide.

This time the Colonel redoubled his endeavours to trace them-for he knew Constance was with her mother; he had never doubted but that she could at once have informed him where Mrs. Templeton was; and now, could he but find her, his vengeance would be doubly gratified. After many days of useless search and inquiry, the Colonel and Cooper proceeded to town, that wily emissary suggesting, that at no place were they so likely to be found, as at that which had afforded shelter to Helen, and hinted, as if from a sudden thought, that this was a very good idea; and calling on his lawyer, whom he took with them, thither the Colonel drove.

Ashley, who now occupied Madame Stöpsel's apartments, had not felt at liberty to name any part of his mother's news regarding Mrs. Templeton to her, therefore she was ignorant of all late events.

Thus was the state of matters, when, on his return home, after having received a most

disheartening report of Mrs. Templeton, he was met by Mr. Stöpsel, and informed of a visit his wife had, that very day, received.

Gretchen was seated quietly and happily at her work, humming a German song, an especial favourite of Reginald's; and occasionally glancing around, where everything reminded her of Helen; for Ashley had been particular in retaining all exactly as the Wests had left it, and she was in his sitting-room; when a ring at the house-bell was promptly answered by the servant, the only one who was at home.

Before Gretchen reached the door, attracted by voices and the sound of approaching steps, it was violently burst open by Colonel Templeton, who, closely followed by two others, rudely entered the parlour, exclaiming, "Woman! tell me instantly where is your mistress?" and seeing the door open which led to what had been, by courtesy, termed Helen's boudoir, he darted forward, his quick glance detecting many objects which, to him, were proofs that at last he was right. So thought Cooper and the lawyer, and both trembled at what might be the consequence of success.

Gretchen, quick as lightning, understood it all—at last then, what she had for years expected, and wondered that it could have