he never resisted his authority, however harshly enforced;
and often stood between him and his victims, diverting his resentment
without appearing to oppose his will. If there existed in his frigid
breast one sentiment of kindness for any human creature, I think it was
for her.

With women he was no favourite. He had no respect for the sex, and I
question whether he was ever in love in his life. If he had ever owned
a tender passion, it must have been in very early youth, before his
heart got hardened and iced in the world. My aunt seemed necessary to
his comfort, his convenience, his vanity: however he might be disliked
by others he was certain of her fidelity and attachment. His respect
for her was the one bright spot in his character, and even that was
tarnished by a refined system of selfishness.

The only comfort I enjoyed during my cheerless childhood, I derived
from her silent attention to my wants and wishes, which she gratified
as far as she dared, without incurring the jealous displeasure of her
exacting husband.

In private, Mrs. Moncton always treated me as her own child. She
unlocked the fountains of natural affection, which my uncle's harshness
had sealed, and love gushed forth. I dearly loved her, and longed to
call her mother; but she forbade all outward demonstration of my
attachment, which she assured me would not only be very offensive to
Mr. Moncton, but would draw down his displeasure upon us both.

The hours I spent with my good aunt were few: I only saw her at meals,
and on the Sabbath-day, when I accompanied her to church, and spent the
whole day with her and her only son--a cross, peevish boy, some four
years older than myself--but of him anon. During the winter, she always
sent for me into the parlour, during the dark hour between dinner and
tea, when I recited to her the lessons I had learned with my cousin's
tutor during the day. My uncle was always absent at that hour, and
these were precious moments to the young heart, which knew no
companionship, and pined for affection and sympathy.

My worthy aunt! it is with heartfelt gratitude I pay this slight
tribute to your memory. But for your gentle love and kind teachings, I
might have become as cold and tyrannical as your harsh lord--as selfish
and unfeeling as your unnatural son.

How I delighted to sit by your side, in the warm, red light of a
cheerful fire, in that large, dusky room, and hold your small white
hand in mine, while I reco