river's edge; and on each side of the villa, and behind, were trees disposed with the most beautiful and picturesque effect imaginable. Birds were carolling cheerfully and loudly on all sides of me, as though they were intoxicated with their own "woodland melody." I walked about as amid enchantment, breathing the balminess and fragrance of the atmosphere, as the wild horse snuffs the scent of the desert. How keen ly are Nature's beauties appreciable when but rarely seen by her unfortunate admirer who is condemned to a town life! I stood on the lawn by the river's edge, watching the ripple of the retiring tide, pondering within myself whether it was possible for such scenes as these to have lost all charm for their restless owner. Did he relish or tolerate them? Could the pursuits of ambition have blunted, deadened his sensibilities to the beauty of nature, the delights of home? These thoughts were passing through my mind, when I was startled by the tapping of a loose glove over my shoulder; and on turning round beheld Mr Stafford, in his flowered morning-gown, and his face partially shaded from the glare of the morning sun. " Good-morning, Doctor-good-morning," said he;

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thousand thanks for your attention to my note of last night; but see! yonder stands Lady Emma, waiting breakfast for us," pointing to her ladyship, who was standing at the window of the breakfast-room. Mr Stafford put his arm into mine, and we walked up to the house. "My dear sir, what can be the meaning of your -" said I, with an anxious look.

"Not a word-not a breath-if you please, till we are alone after breakfast."

"Well-you are bent on tantalizing!

What can be the matter? What is this mountain-mystery?" "It may prove a molehill, perhaps," said he, carelessly; "but we'll see after breakfast."

"What an enchanting spot you have of it!" I exclaimed, pausing and looking around me.

"Oh, perfectly paradisaical, I dare say," he replied, with an air of indifference that was quite laughable. "By the way," he added, hurriedly, "did you hear any rumour about

Lord -'s resignation late last night?"-" Yes."-" And his successor, is he talked of?" he enquired, eagerly." Mr C."—" Mr C—! Is it possible? Ah, ha -" he muttered, raising his hand to his cheek, and looking thoughtfully downwards.

"Come, come, Mr Stafford, 'tis now my turn, do drop these eternal politics for a few moments, I beg.” "Ay, ay, still harping on my daughter,' I'll sink the shop for a while, as our town friends say. But I really beg pardon, 'tis rude, very. But here we are. Lady Emma, Dr

," said he, as we approached her ladyship through the open stained-glass doorway. She sat before the breakfast urn, looking, to my eyes, as bloomingly beautiful as at the time of her marriage, though ten summers had waved their silken pinions over her head, but so softly, as scarce to flutter or fade a feature in passing. Yes, thus she sat in her native loveliness and dignity, the airiness of girlhood passed away into the mellowed maturity of womanhood! She looked the beau-ideal of simple elegance in her long snowy morning dress, her clustering auburn hair surmounted with a slight gossamer network of blonde; not an ornament about her! I have her figure, even at this interval of time, most vividly before me, as she sat on that memorable morning, unconscious that the errand which made me her guest, involved-but I will not anticipate. She adored, nay idolized, her husband-little as she saw of him-and he was in turn as fondly attached to her as a man could be, whose whole soul was swallowed up in ambition. Yes, he was not the first to whom political pursuits have proved a very disease, shedding blight and mildew over the heart!

I thought I detected an appearance of restraint in the manner of each. Lady Emma often cast a furtive glance of anxiety at her husband-and with reason-for his features wore an air of repressed uneasiness. He was now and then absent, and, when addressed by either of us, would reply with a momentary sternness of manner-passing, however, instantly away- which shewed that his mind was occupied with unpleasant or troubled thoughts. He seemed at last aware that his de

meanour attracted our observation, and took to acting. All traces of anxiety or uneasiness disappeared, and gave place to his usual perfect urbanity and cheerfulness. Lady Emma's manner towards me, too, was cooler than usual, which I attributed to the fact of my presence not having been sufficiently accounted for. My embarrassment may be easily conceived.

"What a delicious morning!" exclaimed Lady Emma, looking through the window at the fresh blue sky, and the cheery prospect beneath. We echoed her sentiments. "I think," said I, " that could I call such a little paradise as this mine, I would quit the smoke and uproar of London for ever!"-" I wish all thought with you, Dr —,” replied her ladyship with a sigh, looking touchingly at her husband.

"What opportunities for tranquil thought!" I went on.

tiful as true!" exclaimed Mr Stafford, gaily, as soon as he had concluded repeating the above ode, in his own distinct and beautiful elocu tion, with real pathos of manner; but his mouth and eye betrayed that his own mind sympathized not with the emotions of the poet, but rather des pised the air of inglorious repose they breathed. The tears were in Lady Emma's eyes, as she listened to him! Presently one of his daughters, a fine little girl about six years of age, came sidling and simpering into the room, and made her way to her mother. She was a lively, rosy, archeyed little creature-and her father looked fondly at her for a moment, exclaiming, "Well, Eleanor!" and his thoughts had evidently soon passed far away. The conversation turned on Mr Stafford's reckless, absorbing pursuit of politics-which Lady Stafford and I deplored-and entreated him to give more of his time and affections to domestic concerns. *** "You talk to me as if I were dying," said he, rather petulantly, "why should I not pursue my profession-my legitimate profession?-As for your still watersyour pastoral simplicities-your Arcadian bliss-pray what inducements have I to run counter to my own inclinations to cruise what you are pleased to call the stormy sea of politics?"" What inducements ?— Charles, Charles-can't you find them here?" said his lady, pointing to herself and her daughter. Mr Stafford's eyes filled with tears, even to overflowing, and he grasped her hand with affectionate energy, took his smiling unconscious daughter on his knee, and kissed her with passionate

fervour. “Semel insanavimus omnes,” he muttered to me, a few moments after, as if ashamed of the display he had recently made. For my own part I saw that he occasionally lost the control over feelings which were, for some reason or other, disturbed and excited. What could possibly have occurred? Strange as it may seem, a thought of the real state of matters, as they will presently be disclosed, never for an instant crossed my mind. I longed-I almost sickened-for the promised opportunity of being alone with him. It was soon afforded me by the servants appear

ing at the door, and announcing the carriage.

"Oh dear! positively prayers will be over!" exclaimed Lady Emma, rising, and looking hurriedly at her watch, "we've quite forgotten church hours! do you accompany us, Doctor?" said she, looking at me.

No, Emma," replied Mr Stafford, quickly, "you and the family must go alone this morning-I shall stop and keep Dr - company, and take a walk over the country for once." Lady Emma, with an unsatisfied glance at both of us, withdrew. Mr Stafford immediately proposed a walk; and we were soon on our way to a small Gothic alcove near the water side.

"Now, Doctor, to the point," said he abruptly, as soon as we were seated. "Can I reckon on a real friend in you?" scrutinizing my features closely.

"Most certainly you may," I replied, with astonishment. "What can I do for you?-Something or other is wrong, I fear! can I do any thing for you in any way?"

"Yes," said he, deliberately, and looking fixedly at me, as if to mark the effect of his words; "I shall require a proof of your friendship soon; I must have your services this evening-at seven o'clock."

"Gracious heaven, Mr Stafford! -why-why-is it possible that-do I guess aright?" I stammered almost breathless, and rising from my seat.

"Oh, Doctor-don't be foolishexcuse me--but don't-don't, I beg. Pray give me your answer! I'm sure you understand my question." Agitation deprived me for a while of utterance.

"I beg an answer, Dr," he resumed coldly," as, if you refuse, I shall be very much inconvenienced. 'Tis but a little affair-a silly business, that circumstances have made inevitable-I'm sure you must have seen a hint at it in the last night's papers.Don't misunderstand me," he proceeded, seeing me continue silent; "I don't wish you to take an active part in the business-but to be on the spot-and, in the event of any thing unfortunate happening to me-to hurry home here, and prepare Lady Emma and the family that is all. Mr G-, naming a well-known armysurgeon-will attend professionally."

I was so confounded with the suddenness of the application, that I could do nothing more than mutter indistinctly my regret at what had happened.

"Well, Doctor " he continued in a haughty tone," I find that, after all, I have been mistaken in my man. I own I did not expect that this-the first favour I have ever asked at your hands, and, possibly, the last-would have been refused. But I must insist on an answer one way or another; you must be aware I've no time to lose."

"Mr Stafford-pardon me-you mistake me! Allow me a word; you cannot have committed yourself rashly in this affair! Consider Lady Emma-your children——”

"I have-I have," he answered, grasping my hand, while his voice faltered," and I need hardly inform you that it is that consideration only which occasions the little disturbance of manner you may have noticed. But you are man of the world enough to be aware that I MUST go through with the business. I am not the challenger."

I asked him for the particulars of the affair. It originated in a biting sarcasm which he had uttered, with reference to a young nobleman, in the House of Commons, on Friday evening, which had been construed into a personal affront, and for which an apology had been demanded ;-mentioning the alternative, in terms almost approaching to insolence, evidently for the purpose of provoking him into a refusal to retract or apologize.

"It's my firm persuasion that there is a plot among a certain party to destroy me-to remove an obnoxious member from the House-and this is the scheme they have hit upon! I have succeeded, I find, in annoying the interest beyond measure; and so they must at all events get rid of me! Ay, this cur of a fordling it is," he continued, with bitter emphasis," who is to make my sweet wife a widow, and my children orphans-for Lord is notoriously one of the best shots in the country! Poor-poor Emma!" he exclaimed with a sigh, thrusting his hand into his bosom, and looking down dejectedly. We neither of us spoke for some time. "Would to

Heaven we had never been married!" he resumed. "Poor Lady Emma leads a wretched life of it, I fear! But I honestly warned her that my life would be strewn with thorny cares, even to the grave's brink!"

"So you have really pitched upon this evening-Sunday evening, for this dreadful business?" I enquired.

"Exactly. We must be on the spot by seven precisely. I say WE, Doctor," laying his hand on mine. I consented to accompany him. "Come now, that's kind! I'll remember you for it. * * * It is now nearly half past twelve," looking at his watch, " and by one, my Lord A," mentioning a wellknown nobleman, " is to be here; who is to stand by me on the occasion. I wish he were here;-for I've added a codicil to my will, and want you both to witness my signature. I look a little fagged don't I?" he asked with a smile. I told him he certainly looked rather sallow and worn. "How does our friend walk his paces?" he enquired, baring his wrist for me to feel his pulse. The circulation was little, if at all disturbed, and I told him so. "It would not have been very wonderful if it had, I think; for I've been up half the night-till nearly five this morning, correcting the two last proof-sheets of my speech on the

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bill, which is publishing. I think it will read well; at least I hope it will, in common justice to myself, for it was most vilely curtailed and misrepresented by the reporters. By the way-would you believe it?-Sir's speech that night was nothing but a hundredth hash of mine which I delivered in the House more than eight years ago!" said he, with an eager and contemptuous air. I made him no reply; for my thoughts were too sadly occupied with the dreadful communication he had recently made me. I abhorred, and do abhor and despise duelling, both in theory and practice; and now, to have to be present at one, and one in which my friend-such a friend!was to be a principal. This thought, and a glance at the possible, nay, probable desolation and brokenheartedness which might follow, was almost too much for me. But I

knew Mr Stafford's disposition too well to attempt expostulation-especially in the evidently morbid state of his feelings.

in

"Come, come, Doctor, let's walk a little! Your feelings flag!-You might be going to receive satisfaction yourself," with a bitter sneer, stead of seeing it given and taken by others! - Come, cheer, cheer up." He put his arm in mine, and led me a few steps across the lawn, by the water-side. "Dear, dear me !" said he, with a chagrined air, pulling out his watch hastily-"I wish to heaven, my Lord A would make his appearance! I protest her ladyship will have returned from church before we have settled our few matters, unless, by the way, she drive round by Admiral -'s, as she talked of last night. Oh, my God, think of my leaving her and the girls, with a gay air, as if we parted but for an hour, when it may be for ever! And yet what can one do?" While he was speaking, my eye caught sight of a servant making his way towards us rapidly through the shrubbery, bearing in his hand a letter, which he put into Mr Stafford's hands, saying, a courier had brought it that moment, and was waiting to take an answer back to town. " Ah-very good-let him wait till I come," said Mr Stafford. "Excuse me, Doctor" bursting open the envelope with a little trepidation, and putting it into my hands, while he read the enclosed note. The envelope bore in one corner the name of the premier, and in the other the words, "private and confidential," and was sealed with the private crest and coronet of the earl.

"Great God-read it!" exclaimed Mr Stafford, thrusting the note before me, and elevating his eyes and hands despairingly. Much agitated myself, at witnessing the effect of the communication on my friend, I took it and read nearly as follows:-" My dear Stafford, I had late last night his Majesty's commands to offer you the seals of the office, accompanied with the most gracious expressions of consideration for yourself personally, and his conviction that you will discharge the important duties henceforth devolving upon you, with honour to yourself, and advantage to his Majesty's councils. In all which, I need hardly assure

you, I most heartily concur. I beg to add, that I shall feel great pride and pleasure in having you for a colleague-and it has not been my fault that such was not the case earlier. May I entreat your answer by the bearer's return? as the state of public affairs will not admit of delay in filling up so important an office. I beg you will believe me, ever yours, most faithfully,

"Whitehall, Sunday noon, 12 o'clock."

After hurriedly reading the above, I continued holding the letter in my hands, speechlessly gazing at Mr Stafford. Well might such a bitter balk excite the tumultuous conflict of passions which the varying features of Mr Stafford-now flushed, now pale-too truly evidenced. This dazzling proffer made him only a few hours before his standing the fatal fire of an accomplished duellist!— I watched him in silent agony. At length he clasped his hands with passionate energy, and exclaimed"Oh, madness-madness-madness! -Just within reach of the prize I have run for all my life!" At that instant a wherry-full of bedizened Londoners passed close before us on their way towards Richmond; and I saw by their whispers that they had recognised Mr Stafford. He also saw them, and exclaimed to me in a tone I shall never forget, "Happy, happy fools!" and turned away towards the house. He removed his arm from mine, and stood pondering for a few moments with his eyes fixed on the grass.

"Doctor, what's to be DONE?"-he almost shouted, turning suddenly to me, grasping my arm, and staring vacantly into my face. I began to fear lest he should totally lose the command of himself.

"For God's sake, Mr Stafford, be calm-Recollect yourself!-or madness-ruin-I know not what-is before you!" I said in an earnest, imploring tone, seeing his eye still glaring fixedly upon me. At length he succeeded in overmastering his feelings." Oh-folly, folly, this! Inevitable! Inevitable!" he exclaimed, in a calmer tone. "But the letter must be answered. What can I say, doctor?" putting his arm in mine, and walking up to the house

rapidly. We made our way to the library, and Mr Stafford sat down before his desk. He opened his portfueille slowly and thoughtfully. "Of course-Decline ?"-said he, with a profound sigh, turning to me with his pen in his hand.

is

"No-assuredly, it would be precipitate. Wait for the issue of this sad business. You MAY escape.""No-no-no! My Lord singularly prompt and decisive in all he does, especially in disposing of his places. I must-I must-ay". beginning to write-"I must respectfully decline-altogether. But on what grounds? Oh, God! even should I escape to-day, I am ruined for ever in Parliament!-What will become of me?" He laid down the pen, and moved his hand rapidly over his face.

"Why-perhaps it would be better.-Tell his Lordship frankly how you are circumstanced."

"Tut!" he exclaimed impetuously, " ask him for peace-officers! a likely thing!" He pressed both his hands on his forehead, leaning on his elbows over the desk. A servant that moment appeared, and said"Please, sir, the man says he had orders not to wait more than five minutes

"Begone!-Let him wait, sir!" thundered Mr Stafford-and resumed his pen.

"Can't you throw yourself on his Lordship's personal good feeling towards you, and say that such an offer requires consideration-that it must interfere with, and derange, on the instant, many of your political engagements-and that your answer shall be at Whitehall by-say nine o'clock this evening? So you will gain time, at least."

"Good. 'Twill do-a fair plea for time;-but I'm afraid!" said he, mournfully; and taking his pen, he wrote off an answer to that effect. He read it to me-folded it upsealed it-directed it in his usual bold and flowing hand-I rung for the servant-and, in a few moments, we saw the courier galloping past the window.

"Now, Doctor, is'nt this enough to madden me? Oh, God! it's intolerable!" said he, rising and approaching me," my glorious pros