heek, and her feelings
almost overpower her, she flew to her bible and in its gracious
promises to the afflicted, found that support and consolation, the
mere worldling can neither judge of, nor taste. Some delay, though no
actual doubt, as to ultimately obtaining her pension, had caused
inconvenience, as all their ready money had been absorbed in the
alterations of their house, though they had observed the utmost
economy, and demands were made which they had not at the time funds to
meet. Ethelind was miserable, but Mrs. Fortescue bore against all,
trusting something would turn up,--and so it did; for while discussing
the matter, a letter came, with an enclosure, from an old school
fellow, begging them to procure her board and lodging in the village
for a few months, intimating how much she would like it, if they could
accommodate her themselves. The terms for the first quarter were
highly remunerative and they gladly acceded to Miss Trevor's
proposition, and the few requisite preparations being made, we will,
if our reader pleases, go back to the evening when mother and daughter
sat awaiting the arrival of their new inmate.

Mrs. Fortescue had never seen Beatrice Trevor, but Ethelind was loud
in her praises. They sat in anxious expectation much beyond the usual
time for the arrival of the stage, and were just giving her up for the
night, when the rumbling of wheels was heard, and a post chaise drove
up, out of which sprang a young lady who in another moment was clasped
in Ethelind's arms, and introduced to her mother, who welcomed her
most kindly.

"Oh what a little Paradise!" said Beatrice, looking round her, "how
happy you must be here. Do Ethelind let me have one peep outside ere
daylight is gone;" so saying, she darted through the French casement,
on to the lawn, which sloped down to the water's edge. "Well I
declare, this is a perfect Elysium, I am so glad I made up my mind to
come here, instead of going with the Fultons to Cheltenham."

"I am indeed rejoiced that you are so pleased with our retreat, my
dear Miss Trevor, it is indeed a lovely spot."

"No Miss Trevor, if you please, my dear madam: it must be plain
Beatrice, and you must regard me as you do Ethelind, and be a mother
to me; for I know I greatly need a monitress; for you will find me, I
fear a sad giddy mad-cap."

Mrs. Fortescue smiling benignly promised acquiescence, and taking her
hand, which she grasped affectionately; led her into the next