again alone, he proposed sending for her aunt.-"Mrs. Irvin's company might be a comfort to you," said he; "do you think she would come?"

"O yes, that she would," exclaimed Ellen, "unless prevented by illness; which Heaven forbid for if I lose her"

"You would not be without a friend, my Ellen," rejoined her father affectionately; "your kindness to your mother has endeared you to me, and I shall never forget it. But come, write to your aunt, and I will send it off by express; if she get it to-morrow morning, she may be here in the evening."

:

This proposal was indeed a comfort to poor Ellen and having written what her feelings dictated on so melancholy an occasion, a man and horse were immediately dispatched with the letter.

In the evening, Mr. Stanley again reverted to the death of his wife.-" Had I known how soon I was to lose the dear woman," said he, “nothing should have tempted me to leave her as I have done; indeed, I would have taken up my abode here:-and it would have been better for me," continued he, thoughtfully, "if I had. Ah, Ellen, you don't know what I have done! Could you think that I have lost above fifteen thousand pounds at play, since you have been at this place?"

"No, indeed, my dear father," said she, "knowing you were not fond of cards; but I hope it will be the last time you will lose, or ever play for, such a considerable sum:-If amusement can ever be found in cards, I should think they must cease to afford it when so much is depending on them."

Mr. Stanley secretly acknowledged this; but he only answered, that "he could very well afford it ;" and dropped the subject.

The next day passed heavily with Ellen; her father had already expressed impatience to return to town; but she begged him to stay at least till her aunt was come.-As the evening approached, she anxiously expected her arrival; and when the servant told her the carriage was at the door, her emotion nearly overcame her.

Mrs. Irvin was soon in the room, and Ellen threw herself into her arms....For some moments neither could speak; till Mrs. Irvin, possessing a more than common fortitude, pressed her niece to her heart, and begged her to be composed." O my Ellen!" said she, you have not forgotten where our true strength lies? Look up, my child; all is in the hand of GoD."

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These words were as a cordial to the afflicted heart of Ellen: it was so long since she had

heard an expression of this sort, or had spoken to one whose mind was exalted to higher views than what this world affords, and who would admit Religion as the truest source of comfort, and had experienced it to be so; and she felt her heart raised in gratitude to Gon for having sent her such a friend.

"Remember, my dear," said Mrs. Irvin, we are to look upon this world but as a state of trial if some pass through it without experiencing affliction, it is to be feared, it is to their disadvantage."-She sighed as she spoke, and added; "Afflictions are certainly for our benefit; and it is in mercy they are sent.—But come, my dear," continued she, "where is your father? he must want a friend more particularly at this time:-Will he see me?"

"Ellen rang the bell, and sent a servant to enquire if they might be admitted?

Again Mr. Stanley felt grief: (for it would be uncharitable to aflim, that it was only the semblance of sorrow he expressed to Mrs. Irvin when they met :) but it was soon removed, and his readiness to talk on other subjects, shewed he was not deeply affected.

When Mrs. Irvin returned to Ellen's room, by her desire, she accompanied her to the bedside of her departed sister. How aweful was this scene! the recollection of her life could not

raise their hopes of her happiness, nor would the duty of Christian resignation allow them to repine. Tears streamed from the eyes of Ellen, as she viewed, for the last time, the inanimate body of her departed mother; and, had not her affectionate aunt, judging of her feelings, by her own, hurried her from the apartment, her grief might have arisen to murmur,—perhaps to dispute the ways of PROVIDENCE,—which, nevertheless, are just and merciful to all: but if His creatures will stifle conscience, drive from their minds every serious reflection, and, neglecting the means of grace, seek only for the ease and pleasures of this life,-is GOD the cause? who, by His word, by His ministers, and by His Providence, has given to all men, and espe cially in this Christian land, an opportunity of repentance, and of knowing their need of it? Mrs. Irvin had recourse to prayer, and afterwards read to her niece several passages of Scripture, in which we are required to love GoD above all things, and to submit to IIis Will in every event of life.

The exercise of devotion calmed their minds, and they retired to rest with humble trust in THE ALMIGHTY, and thankful acknowledgement of His goodness.

CHAPTER XI.

"True happiness is of a retired nature, and an enemy to pomp and noise."

IN

a few days, the last duties were paid to Mrs. Stanley; and the whole family returned to town. Mrs. Irvin proposed taking Ellen with her to Milwood, as she much feared, her late confincment and anxiety respecting her mother had injured her health and spirits; and to this plan her niece had but one objection, which was, lest the leaving her father entirely without domestic society, should induce him to be more in the company he had lately frequented.

She mentioned these apprehensions to her aunt; who, though she was not without similar fears, continued to press her leaving him for a little while, and endeavoured to lead her to hope that when all worldly pursuits were tried, and satisfaction found in none, he would more readily acknowledge the wisdom of theirs, and, from experiencing the evil of his errors, be more inclined to quit them.