r, filling the most sanguine wishes of your father's
heart, who would be wretched, if his daughter were not reconciled to her
who will stand in the nearest relation to him."

And thus the Sea-flower endeavored to prepare Winnie's mind for
receiving her new mother, who would so soon take her place at the head
of this once unbroken family, as became a meek and dutiful child; but
she did not tell her of the trembling within her own heart, lest this
new tie should prove a source of sorrows, sowing her youthful heart with
seed which might be productive of bitter among the sweets; neither did
she know of the prayers of the innocent maiden, that hers might be a
thornless path.

The lady in question, whom Mr. Santon had deemed worthy of his hand, and
its consequent honors, was of a family of lower standing than his own as
far as much of this world's goods go to give caste; but if, aside from
depth of purse, she was his inferior, we have yet to learn. The
marriage ceremonies were attended with little display, in deference to
Mr. Santon's wishes, and the day at length arrived, when the bride, who
resided in a neighboring city, was to be received in her new home.

She came, and congratulations were exchanged between mother and
daughter, first impressions were made, and the hour arrived which should
liberate each one to the night's repose. Winnie flew to her room; she
had seen her whom she was to call "mother," and from the few hours which
she had already passed with her, her superior discernment of character
had judged of her aright; she never had cause to vary from the opinion
which she had from the first formed of her; she choked back the tears,
so strange to see within her eyes, and kneeling, she repeated the very
first prayer her mother had ever taught her, an exercise which from the
example set before her for the last two years, she now never failed to
observe. Arising, she endeavored to dispel the mountain of anguish which
was creeping into her soul,--in sleep. Poor Winnie! we can pity you;
'tis but life's lesson taught.

The impression which Natalie had received of the second wife of Mr.
Santon's choice, though she would not bring herself to realize it, were
by no means prepossessing. She had schooled her own, and Winnie's heart
to love her under any circumstances, but when she saw with what
frigidity she received Winnie's warm welcome, thinking not of the
condescension with which she had taken her own hand, her tender h