one of the customary public breakfasts given at Government House.

"Yes, young man," growled forth the gruff old veteran, "and you'll see many as warm before you leave the country; but meanwhile, I'd recommend you to mind your own business; and save your breath to cool your soojee! "* I will, therefore, take the hint, and proceed with my narrative.

Though certainly rather discouraged at the little substantial benefit likely to ensue from the strong letters of recommendation I had brought out; still, as I had no reasonable expectation that any other result would have followed, I was not so completely cast down, as to be deterred from the prosecution of those studies I had commenced; for I still lived in hope of something turning up in the chapter of events, and was, moreover, stimulated in my labours by letters from Agnes, ever continuing to express the warmest and most unshaken love.

These tokens of my Agnes' unchanged attachment, were to me as the very breath of life; for the first few months after my arrival in India I received them by every mail; they

* A kind of porridge much eaten at breakfast in India.

spurred on my sometimes flagging zeal, which was further incited to persevere in the study of the native languages, by the prospect, which was at that time held out of an Interpreter being about to be ordered to Royal corps in India, with an emolument which would make considerable addition to a subaltern's pay; and being one of the few officers of my regiment who had any knowledge of the kind, I was sanguine of success in obtaining this expected appointment.

My mornings were now generally passed at drill or parade, the remainder of the day, when off duty, with my moonshee, in mastering the difficulties of Hindostannee or Telougoo; and in the cool of the evening a ride was generally taken till the dinner bugle summoned us to mess.

Although, as I have observed, have observed, my visits to the "Gardens" were, owing to Louisa's strange behaviour, much less frequent than I might have wished, I could not bring myself to shun entirely friends from whom I had always met with such kindness and affectionate regard.

However, when I happened to be thrown into her society, Louisa's conduct became more and more incongruous and difficult to compre

hend; one moment she would shun and turn from me as if with unfeigned dislike; then, as if sorry for the pain thus inflicted, and which I could not conceal, she would suddenly resume the friendly and familiar manner of former times, and then again relapse into her more recent reserved and formal mood.

Her wonted gay hilarity and joyous laugh, changed to a desponding and melancholy smile; then apparently by an effort, she would give way to an outburst of spirits, which appeared evidently unnatural and forced.

All this puzzled me extremely, and combined with her altered and pallid looks caused me much anxiety and pain.

I had heard of the tender passion: loveall-powerful Love producing sometimes such effects, on those fair victims stricken by his barbed shafts of such :

:

"As never told their love,

But let concealment, like a worm i'the bud,
Feed on their damask cheek."

But although Louisa Talbot was admired and beloved by all who knew her, although many a suitor had already paid due homage to her virtues and her charms, she apparently bestowed

her preference on none: still apparently continued in "maiden meditation fancy free."

Matters stood thus when my regiment received orders to march to the Deccan; our intended quarters being Hyderabad.

The order was sudden, and we were very shortly to be on the move. I, however, determined if possible to have an explanation with Louisa before I left; to know at least if I had offended, and if so, in what way.

Whether or not she guessed my intention I cannot tell, but so sedulously did she avoid giving me the opportunity I sought, that it only accidentally occurred on the evening previous to our march; which Mr. Talbot had insisted on my spending at his house.

I went out to the "Gardens" rather earlier than usual; Mr. Talbot had not yet returned from his office-Mrs. Archer was engaged; but as the servant informed me: the "Beebee Sahib"-the young lady-was walking in the grounds.

Guessing where I should find my fair cousin, I went straight towards a noble banyan, in whose hollow and gigantic trunk was fashioned a rustic seat, often her favourite resort during the coolness of the evening hours.

I approached quietly and unperceived; her head was resting upon her arm; she raised it on hearing a footstep; and on her pale and handsome face, were traces of recent tears.

I seated myself by her as I would by a sister's side-and I took her hand. It trembled in mine, whilst I inquired the cause of her present grief; of her late evident estrangement from her old playfellow, her companion and her friend?

Had I in any way offended? If so, how? for I was utterly unconscious of having given offence.

She uttered no reply, but burst into a paroxysm of tears. Again I urged her to confide to me the cause of her sorrow. I entreated her ere we parted, to bestow this slight proof of confidence, on one, whom she had known for so many years; who loved her as a sister; and whose advice and counsel might perhaps be of some avail.

"No, Harry-my preserver-my best and oldest friend," she passionately exclaimed; "you have never by word or deed given me offence; but even to you I cannot disclose the secret of my grief. Question me no more; say nothing of what has just occurred; leave me now I