--I TAKE MY NEW STATION IN SOCIETY.

On my arrival the front gates were opened by the gardener's wife, who
made me a profound courtesy. The gardener soon afterwards made his
appearance, hat in hand. Everything was neat and in good order. I
entered the house, and as soon as possible rid myself of their
obsequious attentions. I wished to be alone. Powerful feelings crowded
on my mind. I hastened to Mr Turnbull's study, and sat down in the
chair so lately occupied by him. The proud feeling of possession,
softened into gratitude to heaven, and sorrow at his death, came over
me, and I remained for a long while in a deep reverie. "And all this,
and more, much more, are mine," I mentally exclaimed; "the sailor before
the mast, the waterman on the river, the charity-boy, the orphan sits
down in quiet possession of luxury and wealth. What have I done to
deserve all this?" My heart told me nothing, or if anything, it was
almost valueless, and I poured forth my soul in thanks to heaven. I
felt more composed after I had performed this duty, and my thoughts then
dwelt upon my benefactor. I surveyed the room--the drawings, the furs
and skins, the harpoons and other instruments, all remaining in their
respective places, as when I last had an interview with Mr Turnbull. I
remembered his kindness, his singleness of heart, his honesty, his good
sense, and his real worth; and I shed many tears for his loss. My
thoughts then passed to Sarah Drummond, and I felt much uneasiness on
that score. Would she receive me, or would she still remember what I
had been? I recollected her kindness and good-will towards me. I
weighed these, and my present condition, against my origin and my former
occupation; and could not ascertain how the scale might turn. I shall
soon see, thought I. To-morrow, even, may decide the question. The
gardener's wife knocked at the door, and announced that my bed was
prepared. I went to sleep, dreaming of Sarah, young Tom, the Dominie
and Mary Stapleton.

I was up early the next morning, and hastened to the hotel; when, having
arranged my person to the best of my power (but at the same time never
so little to my satisfaction), I proceeded to the house of Mr Drummond.
I knocked; and this time I was not desired to wait in the hall, but was
immediately ushered up into the drawing-room. Sarah Drummond was
sitting alone at her drawing. My name was announced as I entered. She
started from her chair, and b