itterness. Gentle
in manner, pure in heart, affectionate in disposition, Gabrielle's pride
wrought her misery. Lord Treherne never came in person to our humble
home--he had but once paid his respects to Gabrielle since her
widowhood; but the rarest exotics continued to decorate our poor room,
constantly replenished from Treherne Abbey, and sent, with his
lordship's card, by a confidential domestic. He was always at church
now, and people remarked "how pious my lord had latterly become." I was
far too young and inexperienced then to understand or appreciate this
delicacy and propriety on Lord Treherne's part. But Mr. Dacre understood
it; nor would _he_ have intruded on our privacy, save in his ministerial
capacity, and for the purpose of aiding and assisting me in the studies
I endeavored to pursue. There was a "halo of sanctity" around Mr. Dacre,
which effectually precluded any approach to freedom or frivolous
conversation, in any society wherein he might be placed. He gave the
tone to that society, and the gay and dashing Misses Erminstoun became
subdued in his presence; while Lord Treherne, with excellent taste, not
only showed the outward respect due to Mr. Dacre's sacred and high
office, but the regard which his personal qualities deserved.

I have often looked back on that time immediately after my
brother-in-law's decease, with wonder at our serenity--nay, almost
contentment and happiness; despite the anguish and humiliation I knew
Gabrielle must endure, her smile was ever beautiful and sweet, and
illumined our poor home with the sunshine of heaven.

Our baby was, I think I may say, almost equally dear to us both--it had
two mothers, Gabrielle said; and what with nursing the darling little
thing, and learning my lessons, and Mr. Dacre's visits, time flew
rapidly.

On the appearance of each fresh token of Lord Treherne's remembrance, I
observed an expression flit across my sister's face which I could not
define; it was of triumph and agony combined, and she always flew to her
baby, clasping it convulsively to her bosom, and whispering words of
strange import. On Mr. Dacre's expressive, serious countenance, also, I
noticed passing clouds, as Gabrielle bestowed enthusiastic admiration on
the superb exotics. Why this was I could by no means satisfactorily
decide, as Mr. Dacre, so kind and generous, must approve the
disinterested delicacy exhibited by Lord Treherne, in his offerings to
the fatherless and widow. But