ion, who
came every week, and whose wife was the teacher of music. They took a
great liking to me, and pointed out how much better I should be off, if
I could succeed on the stage, of which they had no doubt. For months I
refused, hoping still to have some tidings of you; but at last my
drudgery became so insupportable, and my means so decreased, that I
unwillingly consented.

"It was then nineteen months since I had heard of you, and I mourned you
as dead. I had no relations except my uncle, and I was unknown even to
him. I quitted the situation, and took up my abode with the teacher of
elocution and his wife, who treated me with every kindness, and prepared
me for my new career. Neither at the school, which was three miles from
London, nor at my new residence, which was over Westminster-bridge, did
I ever see a newspaper; it was no wonder, therefore, that I did not know
of your advertisements. After three months' preparation I was
recommended and introduced to the manager by my kind friends, and
accepted. You know the rest."

"Well, Miss Ellen, if any one ever tells you that you were on the stage,
at all events you may reply that you wasn't there long."

My sister had been with us about three days, during which I had informed
her of all that had taken place, when, one evening finding myself alone
with her, I candidly stated to her what were O'Brien's feelings towards
her, and pleaded his cause with all the earnestness in my power.

"My dear brother," replied she, "I have always admired Captain O'Brien's
character, and always have felt grateful to him for his kindness and
attachment to you; but I cannot say that I love him--I have never
thought about him, except as one to whom we are both much indebted."

"But do you mean to say that you could not love him?"

"No, I do not: and I will do all I can, Peter--I will try--I never will,
if possible, make him unhappy who has been so kind to you."

"Depend upon it, Ellen, that with your knowledge of O'Brien, and with
feelings of gratitude to him, you will soon love him, if once you accept
him as a suitor. May I tell him--"

"You may tell him that he may plead his own cause, my dear brother; and,
at all events, I will listen to no other, until he has had fair play;
but recollect, that at present I only _like_ him--like him _very much_,
it is true--but still I only _like_ him."

I was quite satisfied with my success, and so was O'Brien, when I told
him.

"By