After Mr. Hardinge, Lucy always excepted I now loved Marble and Neb the most; and these two were probably both dead, or doomed, like myself.

Much of the time, I lay half asleep and half awake; then my mind would revert to my sister, to Lucy, to Mr. Hardinge, and to Clawbonnywhich I fancied already in the possession of John Wallingford, who was triumphing in his ownership, and the success of his arts.

By modern taste, I do not mean one of the Grecian-temple school, as I do no think that even all the vagaries of a diseased imagination that was suffering under the calamities of shipwreck, could induce me to imagine Lucy Hardinge silly enough to desire to live in such a structure.

"I nebber see dat we can go home to good old Masser Hardinge, and tell him how we lose Masser Mile!"

From that hour, I think, Mr. Hardinge gave the matter up.

" "Has Miss Hardinge had the consideration to hire that farm, with such an object?" "They say she has bought it, out of the savings of her income.

But, two months after John Wallingford's visit, Mr. Hardinge, and all connected with Clawbonny, had been astounded by the intelligence of the existence of the mortgage.

His right to Clawbonny could not be disputed, and after consulting counsel in the premises, Mr. Hardinge himself had been compelled, reluctantly, to admit it.

The old man felt an interest in me that was soothing to my feelings, and I wished to glean all I could from him; more especially concerning Lucy and Mr. Hardinge.

"Mr. Hardinge," answered my mate, who knew nothing of Rupert's defects, beyond his want of aptitude for the sea, "I'm heartily glad to fall in with you.

"This is true, then, and you have not been lost at sea, Wallingford?" "I am living, as you may see, Mr. Hardinge, and glad of this opportunity to inquire after your father and sister?"

It was sealed with wax, and bore the impression of the Hardinge arms.

I regret it is not in my power to ask you to dine with me, en famille, to-day; but Mrs. Hardinge has company, and we are engaged out every other day this week.

"All my misfortunes are forgotten," I cried, "in finding you thus, in finding you unchanged, in finding you still Lucy Hardinge!"

" Mr. Hardinge's face became very sorrowful; and he paused a moment before answering.

" Mr. Hardinge actually groaned, and I saw that Lucy turned pale as death.

exclaimed Mr. Hardinge, jumping up and seizing his hat.

" Mr. Hardinge listened attentively, and then he left the room, telling Lucy he would be back in a few minutes.

Lucy was seated, but I had risen to see Mr. Hardinge to the door of the room, and was walking slowly back and forth.

" Again that inexplicable smile passed over Lucy's face, and I was resolved to ask its meaning, when the approaching footstep of Mr. Hardinge prevented it.

"It is only quite lately," he said, "that I have seen the great injustice that I and my family have unconsciously committed towards Miss Hardinge.

You tell me, that you have heard I was engaged to Miss Hardinge?" "Unquestionably: I think it was the opinion of her own father; though he must have believed the promise conditional, as Lucy never would marry without his approbation.

It is true, Mr. Wallingford, that I have long admired Miss Hardinge, and that I offered myself years ago.

The door of the library opened, and Mr. Hardinge entered, followed by a grave-looking, elderly man, of respectable mien, and a manner that denoted one accustomed to deal with matters of weight.

My good friend, Mr. Hardinge, told it to me for the first time, only half an hour since.