college, under a feigned name, either from the | you, my dear sir, for the present, according to charm of locality, or a certain freshness of your kind promise," added Nevil. thought and feeling inexpressibly delightful, brought him something even more substantial than mere fame. Mere fame! Our last sentence looks worldly enough, but we will not blot it out nevertheless. The laurel is great and glorious; it is the boon and prize of our high calling, but possesses no antidote against poverty and death!

In dedicating this little work to his uncle, Nevil, with the pride of a young author, imagined that he was making ample compensation for all past and future favours; while the old gentleman was delighted with the compliment, and more than ever impressed with the idea of his nephew's great talents-a theme of which he never seemed to weary.

"To be sure-to be sure you must: such was our agreement. But it seems a pity, with your genius, to be tied and fettered down by all the necessary duties and avocations of a professional career-never to find time to write a single line!"

"No fear of that," replied his nephew. "The will is the great thing. Those who cannot find time, make it!"

"But, if it were possible, would you not prefer a gentlemanly independence, which would afford you ample leisure for your favourite pursuits?"

"Yes, certainly, it would be vastly pleasant!" said Nevil, flinging himself back in his easy chair, and glancing complacently around the splendidly furnished apartment in which they were sitting.

At his own desire for Nevil Peterson was a little, and perhaps not a little, wilful and eccentric-he had hitherto, in spite of all persuasions There was a pause, after which Mr. Peterson to the contrary, obstinately persisted in spend- changed the conversation, by inquiring if he reing his vacations in the neighbourhood of col-membered anything of his cousin, Miss Hamillege; by which means his studies were less in- ton, left an orphan like himself, under the terrupted; and it was not until he had passed guardianship of her kind uncle, and now absent his last examination, which he did with the from the Hall, on a visit. highest credit, that he prepared at length to ac"She used cept his uncle's repeated invitation, and claim at the same time the performance of a promise which he had so well earned, a perfect reliance on Mr. Peterson's honour, together with the proud consciousness of his own power to work out whatever plan might have been formed for him, preventing him from feeling the slightest uneasiness with regard to the future.

"As a child," answered Nevil. to have weak eyes, and always wore a green veil; but I suppose she has outgrown that?" "Which? the green veil or the weak eyes ?” "Both, I hope."

"Why yes, pretty well; but I am not sure what you will say about her eyes." And the old gentleman's twinkled strangely.

"Poor thing!" said Nevil, sipping his wine with a compassionate air. "I am sorry she should be absent just now."

"You cannot regret it more than the girl does herself: she went half-wild about your poems, and used to sleep with the book under her pillow; and make me tell her a dozen times a day what you were like, and when you were coming back."

"She is very kind," said his companion, laughingly.

You would say that if you knew all. And then the good she does in the neighbourhood! The poor people half worship her!"

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Ah, I understand; makes jellies and soups, and flannel petticoats!" "Just so."

It was noon when Nevil made his first appearance at the Hall, full of health and spirits, and looking the least in the world like our common ideal of a poet. Mr. Peterson was delighted with his free, noble bearing, and handsome, animated countenance; while both his pride and affection were increased by the marvellous resemblance which was simultaneously discovered, by his aged and attached domestics, between himself and his young nephew-a similarity which, as it was afterwards more than suspected, extended equally to their dispositions, Mr. Peterson being, as we have before hinted, although one of the best and kindesthearted men in the world, somewhat self-willed and eccentric; that is to say, he had his peculiarities (and what man is without them ?) and required a little humouring, and not a little gentle forbearance-as they all do, more or less. Dinner passed away in cheerful conversation; and then, as they sat together over their wine, with the curtains drawn, and the fire blazing merrily in the wide, old-fashioned grate, Mr. Peterson prepared to enter at once into the sub-quaintances." ject which he imagined to be uppermost in Nevil's mind, by asking if there were any particular profession which he should prefer. His companion protested, with perfect truth, that he had never yet given the matter a thought, but supposed they were all pretty much alike, requiring only talent, perseverance, and a capital to commence with. "For the last of which I must look to

"And wears a coarse straw bonnet and green veil ?—I know her quite well."

Impossible, my dear boy! Why she has never been ten miles from the Hall since she first came there."

"Nevertheless, I have her ideal as vividly before my mind's eye as if we had been old ac

"What an imagination you must possess !" exclaimed Mr. Peterson, with a look of admiring wonder. Nevil laughed quietly. "And now,' continued his uncle, "fill your glass, and we will come to the point at once. I need not repeat our agreement; you have performed your half nobly; and it only remains that I do the same by mine. My mind has been long made

"It is impossible to do otherwise!" exclaimed Mr. Peterson, irritated by the careless indifference of his companion. "I tell you I have set my mind upon the thing, and it shall be done. The first who refuses, forfeits his or her share of the property!"

"And it is thus you mean to fulfil your pro

mise?"

"Aye, with the finest estate, and best and sweetest tempered little wife in the whole country, what more would you have?"

And supposing I were to think proper to refuse so tempting an offer?" questioned Nevil, with the most provoking nonchalance.

flute. Fortunately for his neighbours, who might otherwise have found little reason to rejoice at such an acquisition, he played well, and the instrument was a source of much amusement to him during the long summer evenings, when he was too idle to do anything else. After a time, Nevil could not help noticing that, whenever he commenced playing, a small white hand invariably lifted up the opposite window, through which he caught an occasional glimpse of a young girl, sewing away as busy as a bee: and he used to long for a high wind, to blow down a tantalizing row of red flower-pots that obstinately prevented a nearer view; although they afterwards proved very useful in affording a few moments' employment each day to their fair owner in tending and watering them, during which Nevil had leisure to discover that she was very beautiful, and had a pair of the brightest and merriest eyes in the world.

On returning home from his office one evening somewhat earlier than usual, Nevil had the good fortune to encounter his fair neighbour, just at the commencement of one of those summer showers, which rendered it the most natural thing in the world for him to offer a portion of his umbrella, which was done without the shadow of impertinence, and with such an air of frank kindness, that the girl accepted it at once with a smile and a blush, that completely won the heart of her companion. Before they separated, Nevil had managed to discover that she loved flowers and music, his flute in particularNevil bowed, and the bell being rung for the that her name was Fanny-that she was as inservant to shew him to his apartment, they sepa-nocent as she was pretty-and what church she rated. The following morning our young student was up with the dawn, and passing the domestics with a cheerful greeting, soon found himself in the public road, with his carpet bag, which had been fortunately unperceived, in his hand, and just in time for the London coach.

"Then I have done with you from that hour. But we will talk further of this to-morrow," added the old man, rising from the table, for he felt his temper fast deserting him; "and you must be tired with your journey."

attended, making use of this last piece of intelligence to follow up an acquaintance which was already beginning to have a strange charm for one who had hitherto only dreamt of love.

Though now living quite alone with an aged relative, whom she helped to support by the la"How surprised the old gentleman will be bour of those busy little fingers, Fanny had eviwhen he gets my letter," thought Nevil, as he dently seen better days; and there was a certain wrapped himself up in his cloak, and lighting air of mystery in the whole affair inexpressibly his cigar, prepared to make himself as comfort- delightful to the romantic disposition of our able as circumstances would allow; for it was hero. Naturally communicative, his fair combitterly cold, and he had resigned the only in-panion was soon in possession of every parside place that remained vacant to a young ticular of his early life, and at liberty to sympawoman with a baby in her arms, whom they took thize with or laugh at him, as she thought up a few miles further on. "No doubt it is all proper; generally, to his great annoyance, preferfor the best; and I shall do quite as well with-ring to do the latter, and looking all the time so

out his assistance as with it."

An interval of several months had elapsed ere we recommence our narrative; during which, after a thousand trials and disappointments, which he bore with the most philosophical indifference, Nevil had changed his name, the last lingering symptom of family pride, and settled quietly down as a lawyer's clerk. That brighter days would come he never for an instant doubted; but was strongly reminded that it was necessary he should do what he could in the interim.

It happened that among our hero's possessions, which were far from considerable, was a

arch and beautiful, that it was utterly impossible to be seriously angry with her.

And so you were not to be bribed into marrying your rich cousin, Mr. Brown?" said the girl, addressing him by the name he had chosen, although the other was no longer a secret to her.

"No, indeed. When I marry, it shall be for love. Do you not think me right, Fanny?" "I think you very romantic, as all true poets should be."

"But surely you will do the same?"

"Yes, perhaps so; that is, if I ever find any one worth loving," replied the maiden, with the most provoking air of indifference. "And so you really think that Miss Hamilton stands a

fair chance of breaking her heart on your account?"

"Not quite so bad as that, I hope," said Nevil, laughingly; "but, after all, she must have been a sensible girl in some respects."

"Yes, she admired your poetry: was not that what you were about to observe? But then it does not follow she should love the poet! Did it never strike you that your uncle might have been mistaken in this, and fancied what he wished?"

"No," replied Nevil, simply; "I cannot say that it ever did; and yet it is by no means unlikely."

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It seems to me a great deal more probable than that she should be silly enough to fall in love with a person she had never seen since she was a mere child."

"Well, anyhow, there is no fear but she will soon get a husband, with such a dowry."

"But suppose she should have a fancy about marrying for love, like yourself?"

"What nonsense, Fanny! Why, she is the most prim, old-maidish little creature you can conceive; with weak eyes-wears a coarse straw bonnet and green veil; and has a wonderful talent for making soups and flannel petticoats!" "I thought you had never seen her," said his companion, as soon as she could speak for laughing at his absurd description.

"Nevertheless, I know her just as well as if

I had."

"So it appears. But I must go home and exert my talent, if I have any."

"So soon?" said Nevil, retaining in his those small white hands, which looked as he told her, as though they were not made for work. "Oh, Fanny, I never wished to be rich until I knew you!"

"It is false !" exclaimed Nevil, passionately. "Will you stay at home to-morrow, and watch for yourself?"

"Not I; but I tell you what I will do; go over directly and ask Fanny whether it is so or not."

"You must be mad!" said his landlady. "Of course she will deny it." But Nevil had already snatched up his hat and disappeared.

It was the first time he had ever ventured farther than the door, and the servant of the ought to admit him; when he settled the queshouse was evidently at a loss whether or not she tion by bursting past her, and ascending the stairs with a hasty step. Fanny was sitting quite alone, reading, and arose at his abrupt entrance with an air of timid embarrassment, strangely at variance with her usual deportment.

"Pardon my intruding upon you,” said Nevil," but I want to speak to you very much, and you do not seem particularly engaged just now."

The girl's quick eyes followed the direction of his, and a deep blush spread itself over cheek and brow as she hastily put aside the book which she had held until then in her hand.

"May I not see the nature of your studies?' asked the visitor; his curiosity strongly excited by her embarrassed manner.

"That is not the present subject, Mr. Brown; and you must pardon my reminding you, that this visit to a lonely and unprotected girl, is neither wise nor kind, and the sooner it is terminated the better."

Forgive me, Fanny. Yes, you are right, I have no business here, and was a credulous fool to believe a word that woman said against you.” "What woman?"

"My landlady. I would leave to-morrow, only that I should lose sight of you."

"What did she say?" asked Fanny, anx

"butiously.

"I have, a thousand times," replied the girl, as she turned away with a light laugh; its no use wishing. Good night, Mr. Brown !" And as her bright face disappeared like a sunbeam, it seemed night indeed to him.

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Nay, you will hate me if I tell you." "No, I promise you."

Well, then, she dared to assert that there was an old gentleman came to see you every morning in a coach-and-and kissed you when he went away! for I may as well let you know all while I am about it."

As Nevil payed his rent every week, seldom complained, and never kept her up at night, he became in time a great favourite with his worthy landlady, who voluntarily took upon herself to look after his linen, no very great responsibility "Ah! I am betrayed!" exclaimed the girl, by-the-bye, and not unfrequently seemed in-clasping her hands wildly together. "I had clined to extend her care to the young man forgotten that she might tell you." himself, in the shape of sundry warnings, given and taken in the same kindly spirit, until one morning, it so chanced that Fanny's name was mentioned by the good lady in a manner that made Nevil's cheek burn, and his eyes flash as she had never seen them before.

"Ah! you may be just as indignant about it as you like. I am a mother myself, Mr. Brown, and would not go for to say a single word against a young creature like her, that I was not prepared to prove. All I know is, that an old gentleman comes there in a coach every morning, while you are at your office, and stays sometimes three or four hours; and they always kiss each other when he goes away !”

"Tell me-Oh, Fanny!-Then it is true!" "Leave me," said his companion, burying her face in her handkerchief. "I would be alone."

"One moment," replied Nevil, bitterly; "after all, my visits cannot injure you more than his. Fanny, I have loved you above every earthly thing! It was the dearest hope of my life that you would one day be my wife, for whom it seemed so sweet to toil day and night, that you might never have occasion to work again, but only laugh, and be as happy as a bird, in our humble home, such as I had pictured it in my dreams. But it is past! Ând yet you are very young, a mere child, and have