pon the sofa.

"Perhaps not," replied his wife, with offended seriousness; "but
recollect, Mr Rainscourt, that _you_ have no one to blame but
yourself--_you_ were not deceived. I might have been happy--might have
met with sincerity and reciprocal affection. Your conduct towards me
was an act of cruelty, which would have called forth some compunction in
the breast of my bitterest enemy; and yet, unoffending, I was
heartlessly sacrificed to your vanity."

"Say, rather, to your own, which blinded you, or you would have been
able to discriminate better."

Mrs Rainscourt burst into tears. Before her emotion could be
controlled, her husband, who was hardened to these scenes of alternate
anger and grief, either was, or pretended to be, in a sound sleep.

The little girl had nestled close to her mother at the ebullition of her
feelings, and waited in silence until it was exhausted.

"Why, mamma, I thought you said we should be so happy now."

"Did I, my dear?" replied Mrs Rainscourt, mournfully.

"Yes, you did, and told me that we should have a fine house in London,
and that we should not go back to the old castle again. I was sorry for
that, though. Where shall we go now, mamma?"

"God knows, my child; you must ask your father."

"Papa's asleep, and I must not wake him. I do hope we shall go back to
the castle."

"Then you'll have your wish, my love," replied Mr Rainscourt, rousing
up, "for I start this very evening."

"Are we to go with you, Mr Rainscourt?" asked Mrs Rainscourt, calmly;
"or are we to be left here?"

"As you please; but I must be off, for that little scoundrel T---,
threatened me with a visit to-morrow morning as I got out of the chaise,
and I am aware that he will not come without a companion or two."

"T---! What T---? your friend T---! that you brought from Dublin with
you, and who professes so much admiration and esteem--your own
factotum?"

"Yes, my own factotum--snivelling little scoundrel. But, however,
there's not time to be lost. You have some jewels, my dear, and other
articles of value; you had better pack them up, and consign them to me
as soon as possible. You may then take your choice,--go with me now, or
follow me in a day or two. They cannot arrest _you_."

"I am aware of that, Mr Rainscourt," replied the lady; "but as I may
not have the means of following, my daughter and I will, if you please,
become a part of your travelling incumbrance, as well as the jewels and