our head has been upon my
bosom, and I blessed you; go now, and, with a fervent heart, address
yourself to the throne of grace; in doing this, my sweet child, piously
and earnestly, you will pass from my bosom to the bosom of your God.
Cast yourself upon Him, my love; above all things, cast yourself with
humble hope and earnest supplication upon His. This, my child, indeed is
sweet; and you will find it so; come, darling, come."

He led her out of the room, and after a few words more of affectionate
advice, left her to that solitude for which he hoped the frame of mind
in which she then appeared was suitable.

"Her sense of religion," he said, after returning to the family, "is
not only delicate, but deep; her piety is fervent and profound. I do
not therefore despair but religion will carry her through whatever
disappointment Charles's flighty enthusiasm may occasion her."

"I wish, papa," said Agnes, "I could think so. As she herself said, she
might bear his death, for that would involve no act of treachery, of
falsehood on his part; but to find that he is capable of forgetting
their betrothed vows, sanctioned as they were by the parents of
both--indeed, papa, if such a thing happen----"

"I should think it will not," observed her mother; "Charles has, as you
have just said, enthusiasm; now, will not that give an impulse to his
love, as well as to his ambition?"

"But if ambition, my dear, has become the predominant principle in his
character, it will draw to its own support all that nourished his other
passions. Love is never strong where ambition exists--nor ambition where
there is love."

"I cannot entertain the thought of Charles Osborne being false to her,"
said Maria; "his passion for her was more like idolatry than love."

"He is neglecting her, though," said William; "and did she not suppose
that that is caused by illness, I fear she would not bear it even as she
does."

"I agree with you, William," observed Agnes; "but after all, it is
better to have patience until Mr. Osborne hears from him. His reply
will surely be decisive as to his intentions. All may end better than we
think."

Until this reply should arrive, however, they were compelled to remain
in that state of suspense which is frequently more painful than the
certainty of evil itself. Jane's mind and health were tended with all
the care and affection which her disinclination to society would permit
them to show. They forced themselves to b