herself, she had ever endeavoured to frame her children’s characters in the like manner; ingenuousness always obtained forgiveness, whatever might have been the mistake or fault.  Ellen had always been a subject of anxiety and watchfulness; but the last two years her reserve had so entirely given place to candour, that solicitude had much decreased, till recalled by the resolution we have recorded.  Had Ellen alleged any reason whatever, all would have been well; Mrs. Hamilton would not have thought on the subject so seriously.  A mystery in her conduct had once before been so productive of anguish, that Mrs. Hamilton could not think with her usual calmness and temper on the circumstance.

It was so long before Ellen regained her composure that traces of tears were visible even when she joined the family at dinner, and were remarked by her uncle, who jestingly demanded what could occasion signs of grief at such an important era in her life.  Vainly Ellen hoped her aunt would spare her the pain of answering by even expressing her displeasure at her resolution, but she waited in vain, and she was compelled to own that the era of her life, to which her uncle so playfully referred, was postponed by her own earnest desire till the next season.

Mr. Hamilton put down his knife and fork in unfeigned astonishment.  “Why, what is the meaning of this sudden change?” he exclaimed.  “You were not wont to be capricious, Ellen.  Will your aunt explain this marvellous mystery?”

“I am sorry I cannot,” Mrs. Hamilton replied, in a tone that plainly betrayed to the quick ears of her husband that she was more than usually disturbed.  “I am not in Ellen’s confidence; her resolution is as extraordinary to me as to you, for she has given me no reason.”  Mr. Hamilton said no more, but he looked vexed, and Ellen did not feel more comfortable.  He detained her as she was about to leave the room, and briefly demanded in what manner she intended to employ the many hours, which now that Miss Harcourt was away she would have to herself.  A crimson flush mounted to Ellen’s temples as she spoke, a flush that, combined with the hesitating tone in which she answered, “to read and work,” might well justify the sternness of tone and manner with which her uncle replied.

“Ellen, had you never deceived us, I might trust you, spite of that flushed cheek and hesitating tone; as it is, your conduct the last two years urges me to do so, notwithstanding appearances, and all I say is, beware how you deceive me a second time.”

Ellen’s cheek lost its colour, and became for the space of a minute pale as death, so much so, that Mrs. Hamilton regretted her husband should have spoken so severely.  Rallying her energies, Ellen replied, in a steady but very low voice—­