c uplands of
that enchanting spot.

"Alice Mornington and Margaretta Moncton were nearly the same age, born
at least within three months of each other, and were six years younger
than I. Strikingly different in their complexion, appearance and
disposition, the two little girls formed a beautiful contrast to each
other. Alice was exquisitely fair, with large, brilliant, blue eyes,
like my poor mother's, and long silken ringlets of sunny hair which
curled naturally upon her snow-white shoulders. She was tall and
stately for her age, and might have been a princess, for the noble
dignity of her carriage would not have disgraced a court.

"She was all life and spirit. The first in every sport, the last to
yield to fatigue or satiety. Her passions were warm and headstrong; her
temper irritable; her affections intense and constant, and her manners
so frank and winning that while conscious that she had a thousand
faults, you could but admire and love her.

"A stranger might have thought her capricious, but her love of variety
arose more from the exuberance of her fancy than from any love of
change. She was a fair and happy child, the idol of her fond brother's
heart, till one baneful passion marred what God and nature made so
beautiful.

"Margaret Moncton, outwardly, was less gifted than Alice Mornington,
but she far surpassed her foster-sister in mental endowments. Her
stature was small, almost diminutive. Her features neither regular nor
handsome except the dark eyes, the beauty of which I think I never saw
surpassed.

"Her complexion was pure but very pale, and her lofty, thoughtful brow
wore a serious expression from infancy. In our wildest revels on the
green sward, you seldom heard Margaret laugh; but when pleased, she had
a most bewitching smile, which lighted up her calm countenance till
every feature beamed with an inexpressible grace. Her face was the
mirror of purity and truth, and you felt, whilst looking upon it, that
it was impossible for Margaret to deceive.

"How could I be unhappy, while I had these two beautiful children for
my daily companions, and the most charming rural scenery at my
immediate command?

"Sir Alexander came every day to the Lodge to see his child, and always
lavished upon me the most flattering marks of his favour. His manner to
my mother was, at first, shy and reserved. This wore off by degrees,
and before two years had expired, from the death of his wife, his
visits became so con