ther, which she was occasionally led into, in explaining the nature of her attachment to the child; till she came to that part of the story respecting the noble Captain's so generously conferring the means of support on the orphan; when Tom could not hoid out any longer, but roared like a great calf, swearing and blubbering something about bravery and kind-heartedness always rowing in the same boat together. "But how," said Bet, "do you expect to be forgiven for your outrageous conduct to your Captain ?" "By the same standard that I forgave the Captain, when I thought that you had cut him adrift, and I had set him upon his beam-ends." "Well said, my hearty," replied the Captain; " and you shall have the same reception," (holding out his hand) "which I met with from you." Tom received it with modesty and manly respect, begging him at the same time to intercede for him with Bet, for the wrongs he had also done her. This the Captain most readily did; and, placing their hands together, gave them his blessing and free consent to be married the next morning, with an offer to give away the bride. And here my readers may leave them to enjoy the honey-moon, while the Captain took his nightly walk to shed a tear on the lonely tomb of poor Mary. THE HERMIT IN THE COUNTRY. When shall vain memory slumber o'er her woes? When to oblivion be her tale resign'd? When shall this fatal form in death repose, Like thine, fair victim, to the dust consigned ? GERRARD. SYMPATHY, CONCLUDED. PEACE being proclaimed, many thousands of hearts were in one hour changed from "hope delayed" and long expectant sorrow, to pleasure, joy, and present happiness; putting on their gayest attire, and decking their faces in smiles to receive their husbands, children or lovers, and to welcome them after a long and hard fought warfare, to the bosom of a peaceful home. Amongst this number was Mrs. Steady; for no one possessed a better heart, or more constancy and truth; nor was she less remarkable for superior manners and carriage, the merit of which D 5 |