which was effected only by means of heavy life insurances. Nothing but desperate gambling, and the mismanagement of that rascal Cooper, could have rendered such measures necessary with an estate like that of the Priory."

CHAPTER XXVII.

"Then let the merry bells ring round,
And the jocund rebecks sound."

Of course, Victor Templeton's marriage was postponed and before it took place, Reginald, Helen, and their children, arrived in England. Pass we over the meeting-such can never be truly described-words are useless, where feelings deep as theirs prevail. Once more under one roof-once more all together, for Victor would have it so there was not one who did not acknowledge, “that sorrow may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

After a visit to Old Court, where Reginald introduced all his treasures; in July, when summer puts on her gayest, most gorgeous dress; when the sky with its glowing hues, and earth, with its field and forest of refreshing verdure, are rich in poetic imagery and suggestion, Charles Ashley left

his quiet lakes and hills, to perform the ceremony that united Victor and Caroline. Doctor Vernon was, of course, there, though not to assist for Charles Vernon was quite equal to the dignified discharge of his duty, without being assisted by any other reverend; though her father's blessing, when given in the vestry, made Caroline feel more than ever, the solemnity of the duties she hal undertaken, and the sacredness of the promise just made.

The ceremony was very quiet and private; owing to the recent events, none but the nearest relatives being present; but as the handsome young master of Seabrooke looked around, gratitude filled his heart, as his bright eyes rested on many fair and noble forms, with all of whom he could claim kindred.

Once more, and, as he said, for the last time for many a year, he and his bride were bound for a continental tour of several months. At the end of that period they were to return, and see how Mrs. Templeton had kept house for them.

During his absence, Sea-View Cottage had been enlarged and fitted up for her, though she was forbidden to entertain the preposterous notion, that she was ever quietly to reside there-but she liked the idea of having it. Victor had, in the most generous manner, se

cured her a handsome income, and had presented each of his newly-found sisters with a noble portion-it was useless to remonstrate with him-" how could he and Caroline spend all they had, without help ?".

And the following April, more than a year after her father's death, Constance was given, by this proud brother, to the happy Ashley Vernon-and the Doctor, being quite ready to assist in gaining such a daughter, married them.

Such a wedding, Mrs. Dawson and the delighted Gretchen declared, had never been seen. Templeton Ashley's joyous and generous nature, on this occasion, assembling all who could share in, and understand his happiness.

The Hurstwoods, the Granthams, Mr. Turner and his sister; Stacey, who was working his way through his difficulties, and his now happy wife; even Mr. Moore was wiled out of his literary circle by the intreaty of his favourites, Constance and Ashley. Lady Dallas, always kind, and who had been peculiarly so, during the season of trial, with her pretty Ada, were present-while Minnie was half wild with pleasure at the idea of being one of the bridesmaids to her dear friend Constance. These filled the house with gaiety-while festivities

on the most liberal scale were prepared for the tenantry and villagers.

Constance was as in a dream-her mother's blessing and farewell embrace roused herand when seated in their carriage, with her loved and loving husband, she turned her beautiful eyes towards him, they were full of

tears.

"Only for joy and gratitude, dear Ashley," she said, as he fondly kissed her, and fervently exclaimed, "God grant, sweet wife, that you may never shed them for any other cause!"

And so, amid the beauties and magnificence of nature, in which the Vicarage of Charles Vernon was placed, did his brother and lovely bride spend several weeks, before they set out for Scotland, on a visit to the Sinclairs, who were prevented, by Laurette's severe illness, from being present at the wedding.

Last words are proverbially tiresome; but as we hope the reader is seated by the cosey fire-side, or under the greenwood tree, or on the sofa in the comfortable dressing-room, or, in short, any where most favourable to the exercise of good temper and kind feeling, we shall brave the proverb-for, the truth is, we are "loth to depart."

Laurette Sinclair never married; and never revisited Seabrooke.