ne, but with all the novelty and perfect freedom of a heart ready to
enjoy the beautiful, I never before felt enjoyment so intense. I come to
my room at night and lie down to rest, jealous of the sleep that
swallows up so many hours of happiness. I am fond of dreaming no
longer, for visions that the angels send are no compensation for the
lost thoughts that sleep steal from me.

"I sat down with a determination to write of events, and as ever dwell
only upon feelings. After all, what has happened? Another member has
been added to the family circle, that is all, and yet, what a change his
coming has made. His presence seems to pervade the whole house. The
servants look more cheerful when he speaks to them. His mother brightens
up, and throws off her languor as she hears his tread upon the veranda.
Even the General's courtly politeness is toned down into something like
affection, and all his artificial stateliness takes its natural level,
when contrasted by the simple dignity of this young man's nature.
Indeed, until James Harrington came, I had no idea how superficial and
untrue was the character of my guardian. But now, with the pure gold of
this fine heart as a test, I can more clearly see the entire selfishness
which lies under his elaborate manners.

"'James will be here to-day,' he said one morning, while we all lingered
around the breakfast table, 'and his company, I trust, will render your
new home more pleasant than we have been able to make it.'

"'He will be like an elder brother to you,' said Mrs. Harrington,
smoothing the lace ruffles over her fair arm, and turning her soft eyes
upon me with a look of gentle affection, 'and you--oh, he cannot help
liking you.'

"Why did the blood rush into my face so hotly? Why did the lashes droop
over my eyes, and the tears spring up beneath them? Was it that I am so
completely an orphan, that this loving hint of brotherly companionship
made me more lonely than harshness could have done? I cannot tell; but
at this word 'brother'--utterly strange to my life hitherto--my heart
made a sudden recoil, and I could scarcely keep from weeping outright.
General Harrington lifted his eyes to mine, with evident surprise, while
the little white hand of his wife crept into my lap, and softly pressed
mine. That moment a horse dashed up to the door, and young Harrington
came into the breakfast-room; his fine eyes full of eager affection; his
cheeks in a glow, and with the most beautifu