ing new."

But Rainscourt was not altogether wrong in his idea that his wife was
quite a different personage from the one which he had quitted. The
vicar, who was acquainted with her situation had not failed in his
constant exertions for the improvement of mankind; he had, by frequent
conversation, and inculcation of our Christian duties, gradually
softened her into a charitable and forgiving temper: and, now that she
had no opportunity of exercising them, she had been made acquainted with
the passive forbearance and humility constituting a part of the duties
of a wife. She met her husband with kindness and respect while his
daughter, who flew into his arms, proved that she had not been
prepossessed against him, as he anticipated. Pleased with his
reception, and with the company that he happened to meet, Rainscourt
experienced sensations which had long been dormant; and it occurred to
him, that an establishment, with such an elegant woman as Mrs
Rainscourt at the head, and his daughter's beauty to grace it, would not
only be more gratifying, but more reputable, than the course of life
which he had lately pursued. He made himself excessively agreeable--was
pleased with the benevolent demeanour of the vicar--thought Susan a
lovely young woman, and McElvina a delightful companion; and, when he
retired to the chamber prepared for his reception, wondered that he had
never thought of paying them a visit before.

It had been the intention of Rainscourt to have trespassed upon his
wife's hospitality for one night only, and then have taken his departure
for some fashionable watering place; but there seemed to be such an
appearance of renewed friendship between him and Mrs Rainscourt, that
an invitation was given by the vicar, for the whole party, on the
ensuing day, to meet at the vicarage; and this was followed up by
another from McElvina, for the day afterwards, at his cottage. This
decided Mr Rainscourt to remain there a day or two longer. But when
the time of his departure arrived, Rainscourt was so pleased with his
new acquaintance, so delighted with his daughter, and, to his
astonishment, so charmed by his wife, that he could not tear himself
away.

Women are proverbially sharp-sighted in all where the heart is
concerned, and Mrs Rainscourt soon perceived that the admiration of her
husband was not feigned. Gratified to find that she had not yet lost
her attractions, and, either from a pardonable feeling of reveng