the same arena of practical busy life? Randal gnawed his
quivering lip.

All the while, however, the young man whom he so envied was a prey to
sorrows deeper far than could ever find room or footing in the narrow
and stony heart of the unloving schemer.

As Leonard walked through the crowded streets with the friend and
monitor of his childhood, confiding the simple tale of his earlier
trials,--when, amidst the wreck of fortune and in despair of fame, the
Child-angel smiled by his side, like Hope,--all renown seemed to him so
barren, all the future so dark! His voice trembled, and his countenance
became so sad, that his benignant listener, divining that around the
image of Helen there clung some passionate grief that overshadowed all
worldly success, drew Leonard gently and gently on, till the young man,
long yearning for some confidant, told him all,--how, faithful through
long years to one pure and ardent memory, Helen had been seen once more,
the child ripened to woman, and the memory revealing itself as love.

The parson listened with a mild and thoughtful brow, which expanded into
a more cheerful expression as Leonard closed his story.

"I see no reason to despond," said Mr. Dale. "You fear that Miss
Digby does not return your attachment; you dwell upon her reserve, her
distant, though kindly manner. Cheer up! All young ladies are under the
influence of what phrenologists call the organ of Secretiveness, when
they are in the society of the object of their preference. Just as you
describe Miss Digby's manner to you, was my Carry's manner to myself."

The parson here indulged in a very appropriate digression upon female
modesty, which he wound up by asserting that that estimable virtue
became more and more influenced by the secretive organ, in proportion as
the favoured suitor approached near and nearer to a definite proposal.
It was the duty of a gallant and honourable lover to make that proposal
in distinct and orthodox form, before it could be expected that a young
lady should commit herself and the dignity of her sex by the slightest
hint as to her own inclinations.

"Next," continued the parson, "you choose to torment yourself by
contrasting your own origin and fortunes with the altered circumstances
of Miss Digby,--the ward of Lord L'Estrange, the guest of Lady Lansmere.
You say that if Lord L'Estrange could have countenanced such a union,
he would have adopted a different tone with you,--sounded your hear