exclaimed, "for not having consulted you; but, indeed, I felt so hurried, that "

"Oh, no, no! my dear uncle, that I never".

"Hear me, my dear Antonia," interrupted her uncle, gently, "you cannot suppose that I have any intention to force your inclinations, or to bias your judgment, still I think it my duty to give you my opinion on so important a subject. I have known Mr Percy for many years, and his character stands deservedly high for integrity and honour, his talents are acknowledged, and his birth and fortune are unexceptionable. With such advantages, I appeal to your good sense whether his offer should be hastily rejected. Nay," he added, perceiving that she wished to speak, "all I ask of you, my dear child, is consideration. Make no rash resolutions; examine the matter with regard to the realities rather than the romance of life."

Antonia blushed, and looked very conscious at this last suggestion of her uncle's, but she readily promised obedience to his wishes.

"I give you a month," he continued, "for con

sideration; if you see reason to feel it may be wise to alter your decision, be assured we shall not accuse you of caprice."

"Look to the future, and recall the past;

Thy life will be with praise and prudence graced;
What loss or gain may follow, thou may'st guess;
For thou wilt be secure of ripe success."

CHAPTER XIII.

"OH, how I wish it had never entered Mr Percy's head or heart to depart from his friendly feelings towards me!" thought Antonia, one morning as she rather listlessly set forth on her solitary walk on the sea-beach. "We were such good friends, he was such a pleasant, good-humoured companionMais un compagnon de voyage, et non pour la vie." And this reflection arrested her regrets. And she began to fill her basket, but again the recollection of Mr Percy unwillingly intruded. He had assisted her in all her studies, and every pursuit was mixed up with his instructions and conversation.

Still, though she regretted his society, she would not for worlds have had him recalled unless upon their former footing of friends, and it required but little reflection to convince her that could never be again. "He would be formal, and I should be very uncomfortable, so matters are best as they are."