able and charming hostess
that had thrown such enchantment over the granite walls of Grandison
Place. She had marked out the line of duty for Edith and myself, which
we tried to follow, but it was often with sinking hearts and faltering
footsteps.

"If Ernest from a mistaken sense of duty has bound himself by a painful
and unnatural vow," said she, in that tone of grave sweetness which was
so irresistible, "_we_ must not forget the social and domestic duties of
life. A threefold responsibility rests upon us, for we must endeavor to
bear the burden he has laid down. He must not see the unlimited power he
has over our happiness, a power he is now unconsciously abusing. Smile,
my children, indulge in all innocent recreations; let me hear once more
your voices echoing on the lawn; let me hear the soothing notes of my
Edith's harp; let me see my Gabriella's fingers weaving as wont, sweet
garlands of flowers."

And now, the house began to be filled up with visitors from the city,
who had been anxiously waiting the return of Mrs. Linwood. The character
of Ernest for eccentricity and moodiness was so well known, that the
peculiar situation in which he had placed himself did not attract
immediate attention. But I knew I must appear, what I in reality was for
the time, a neglected and avoided wife; and most bitterly, keenly did I
suffer in consequence of this impression. In spite of the pain it had
caused, I was proud of Ernest's exclusive devotion, and the notice it
attracted. I knew I was, by the mortification I experienced, when that
devotion was withdrawn. It is true, I knew he was inflicting on himself
torments to which the fabled agonies of Tantalus, Sisyphus, and Ixion
combined could not be compared; but others did not; they saw the averted
eye, the coldness, the distance, the estrangement, but they did not,
could not see, the bleeding heart, the agonized spirit hidden beneath
the veil.

I ought to mention here the reason that Mr. Regulus did not come as
usual to welcome us on our return. He had been appointed professor of
mathematics in ---- College, and had given up the charge of the academy
where he had taught so many years with such indefatigable industry and
distinguished success. He was now visiting in Boston, but immediately on
his return was to depart to the scene of his new labors.

Mr. Regulus, or, as we should now call him, Professor Regulus, had so
long been considered a fixture in town, this change in his