her character and standing in society. She had and not at all dis osed to exercise unreasonable been a widow for many years, and though, after authority. Charles had complied cheerfully with a decent period of retirement after her husband's his part of the bargain, and he felt himself bound death, she had mixed as cheerfully and as fre- both in honor and kindness to make no farther quently in the business and pleasures of the opposition to his plan of life, either by remonworld as formerly, she had shown no sort of dis- strance, argument, or those sort of negative inposition to form a second matrimonial connec- fluences so well described by the common extion. Her time and attention were chiefly de- pression of throwing cold water upon any thing, voted to the management of her affairs, which which is often found, in the long run, to be the were ordered with a degree of decision and good most effectual mode of opposition. sense, that obtained for her a high degree of con- Reginald and Arthur were scarcely less opsideration and respect, affording one of the innu- posed than their father to Charles' determination, merable instances of the verification of the text, and they tried to shake it by the united powers "If thou doest well to thyself, men shall praise of ridicule, persuasion, and argument. They thee." Comfort and elegance were seen and were surprised at the firmness, mildness, and unfelt in all her household arrangements, and her wearied good humor with which Charles met their daughters, for she had no sons, were carefully attacks, and were sometimes obliged to acknoweducated, that is, they were instructed not only ledge, that he had vanquished them with their in the ordinary, but also in the extraordinary own weapons. Mrs. Selden and Margaret were branches of learning, for which teachers could the only members of the family who encouraged be procured. They were highly accomplished, Charles by their cordial approbation. Virginia according to the fashion of the day, and were taught to pay the strictest regard to the most minute particulars relating to manner, dress, or personal appearance.

did not attempt to oppose his design, but it was evident there was something in it which was not agreeable to her feelings. It seemed to her to be a great pity, that the eldest son, one to whom she had looked especially to support the honor of the family, so intellectual, so agreeable, so young, and so full of life, should sink down into

some venerable Catholic priest with silver hair, bending under the weight of age, pale with vigils and fastings, performing the imposing rites of his faith, in some ancient Gothic church, or chapel, ornamented with paintings of Italian or Spanish masters, while strains of solemn and unearthly music were breathing around.

Louisa Lennox, the eldest daughter, was particularly admired for her beauty and accomplishments, and Mr. Selden had always wished that a marriage should take place between Charles a mere country parson. The day had not yet and herself. To bring this desirable event about arrived when interesting young ministers could he thought it highly probable that nothing more conjure up romantic associations, and when they would be requisite than to make the parties ac- might appear with their full, dark eyes of unquainted, and this he trusted would prove the earthly lustre, their lofty brows excelling the Parivery plan for inducing Charles voluntarily to an marble in whiteness, and their pale cheeks with abandon his determination to become a minister. one bright pink spot, in the pages even of the But this scheme, like most others of the same most fashionable poem or novel. The only ronature, proved a complete failure, Charles re-mantic idea of a minister that had ever presented turned from this visit heart whole, and in all res- itself to the imagination of Virginia was that of pects the same, except that a little more polish and ease were perceptible in his manner, as the necessary consequence of constant association with ladies, who sedulously attended to all the conventional observances of good breeding, and gave the tone of fashion to their own little world. Charles Selden's commendations of Louisa Lennox's accomplishments, his praises of her dazzling beauty, made his indifference still more provoking to his father, and he was disposed to regard his insensibility as arising from the spirit of contradiction, and a determination to thwart tured a word of open disapprobation, especially all his plans. Even the remonstrances of Mrs. as she had no reason to give for her averseness Selden failed, at first, to produce their usual ef- to Charles' becoming a minister, which she feet of dispelling his vexation, but the mildness thought would account satisfactorily either to her and good sense with which she represented the mother or Margaret for her opposition. She had unreasonableness of being angry with Charles nothing to urge against it but feeling, and such for not complying with a wish which he had pur- feeling too, as she was sure they would not apposely concealed from him, at length, nearly res-prove. Virginia could not hear, without pain, tored his good humor. the lightest word of disapprobation, even from Mr. Selden was naturally kind, good humored, an indifferent person, but from those she loved it

Yet Virginia had been so carefully educated in religious principles, and so accustomed to re gard her mother's opinions with the utmost respect and deference, that she would not have ven

was insupportable, and a word or jest, which ered as his eldest son, and chosen as the future would be forgotten almost as soon as uttered, if heir of Sherwood. Mr. Selden strenuously re

addressed to a person of ordinary sensibility, would instantly bring tears to her eyes, and be long remembered by her with pain.

sisted the proposal, he could not bear the idea of depriving Charles of his birthright, as he had always considered it, and he thought such a request could only have originated from wounded feeling. He imagined Charles was hurt at his

It rarely happens that any course of conduct, evidently springing from principle, and maintained with firmness and good humor, does not disapprobation, perhaps thought himself lowered succeed in gaining respect and overcoming oppo- in his affection or esteem, by his embracing a sition. Charles Selden was so consistent in his profession which he certainly should not have conduct, so natural and kind in his manner, and chosen for him, which moreover thwarted some of defended his own views and opinions with so favorite schemes, but which was a learned and much good sense and earnest feeling, that he honorable one, and one, too, which he had eviwas given up at length, by his friends, to pursue dently chosen as much from principle as from his own way quietly, even if his father renounced inclination. Even if it were mistaken principle, all hope that he would relinquish his plans. Mr. still steadiness and consistency of principle must Selden was a very affectionate father, and since be respected, especially in so young a man as he became convinced that the favorite schemes Charles. which he had cherished for his eldest son would Thoughts such as these passed rapidly through never be accomplished, he began to think how Mr. Selden's mind, when Charles conversed with Charles' happiness could best be promoted in him on this subject, for the first time, and he poshis own way. It was but a few years before itively refused to listen to the proposal with a this period that the Act of Legislature had passed degree of affectionate warmth, which convinced which deprived the Episcopal Church of the Charles of his sincerity. Charles, however, glebe lands, and Mr. Selden would have consid- urged his point with so much frankness and kind ered this circumstance as adding tenfold to the good humor, as to convince his father that he was worldly disadvantages which his son must incur not actuated in making the request by any thing in becoming a minister, had he not fortunately like wounded feeling. He spoke so unaffectedly possessed the means of independence, without and kindly of Reginald's talents and acquirethe pecuniary aid of his parishioners. A mode- ments, of the probability that he would make for rate fortune had been bequeathed to Charles, himself a name, and of the dignity with which while yet a child, by a bachelor uncle. Mr. Sel- he would represent the family, that Mr. Selden den's idea of justice would not have permitted doubted not for a moment, that these praises him to regard the law of primogeniture, in the sprang from his heart, and he listened to him testamentary disposition of his property, yet he with admiration and regret, regret that he had did not like the idea that Sherwood and all the thus persisted in renouncing a station in society noble improvements about it must go down, be- which he was himself so well qualified to adora. cause he was not able to give any one of his sons Charles perceiving that his father listened to a sufficient portion to keep it up properly; he him in silence, began to think that his resolution had, therefore, been much pleased at this addi-wavered, or that he perhaps hesitated, from delitional property which had fallen to Charles, re-cacy to himself, to express the real grounds of garding it as the means of keeping up the dig- his objection to Reginald's becoming the heir of nity of the family; he would not have said rank, Sherwood. He knew that Mr. Selden had aleven in his heart, this would have been an un- ways thought that the property bequeathed to pardonably aristocratic idea, but a wish to main-him by his uncle, which had been much increastain the dignity of the family was legitimate ed by judicious management, could alone have even in a republican. enabled him to keep up Sherwood properly, as a child's portion of the estate would have been insufficient for the purpose.

Charles was well aware how entirely the course of life he had entered upon, militated against his father's views with regard to the station in After a moment's pause, Charles resumed society which he wished the future head of his "There is one reasonable objection, I am aware, family to maintain, and was much concerned at to this plan; a large house and extensive grounds the disappointment which he had himself occa- are only sources of vexation and embarrassment sioned. To remedy as much as possible all the to a man of moderate fortune. A child's portion unpleasant consequences which would arise from of your estate would scarcely enable Reginald his devoting himself to the ministry, he endeav- to keep up Sherwood, even with shabby gentility. ored to pursuade his father that it was natural, I could not see the old place go down, without and more suitable that Reginald should, as it re-pain, and request you, not entirely from disirgarded all worldly distinctions, be now consid-terested motives, to add the portion which you

intend for me to my brother's; this is no affected |ings of friendship which can support and invigor overstrained generosity, for you know the orate the heart under the most discouraging and kindness of my uncle has left me more than suf- depressing circumstances. ficiently provided for the way of life I have chosen."

As the time approached more nearly for Charles to enter upon the duties of his new vocation, he "Never, never, my dear boy: I should not be- became more impressed with a sense of the maglieve any one but yourself to be in earnest in nitude and holiness of the office he had undertamaking such a proposition. No, I will not dis-ken; yet the fervor of piety, the firmness of reinherit you because you do not happen to think ligious principle which animated him, inspired as I do. Even if I were to consent that Regi-that exalted hope and courage that can conquer nald should inherit Sherwood, I could not for a difficulties, which to the cold and timid appear moment listen to the proposal that you have just impossibilities. The languishing, almost dying made. You must not mention it to me again, unless you wish to displease and wound me. Reginald has commenced the practice of law let him depend on his own exertions for acquiring additional property, should Sherwood ever be his; of which I am by no means sure. I must take time to consider of it. Say no more," he added, observing Charles about to reply.

state of the Episcopal Church in Virginia operated as a stimulus to Charles' zeal, and as he had received ordination he did not wish to delay entering upon his labors. There was no difficulty in finding vacant parishes, as there were very few supplied with ministers, and many churches were falling into decay from disuse. Charles Selden had been solicited to accept a parish Charles was silent, but his eye plainly ex-about forty miles from Sherwood, in which there pressed what he wished his father's determina- was a well built brick church, and a parsonage tion to be, and he felt almost certain that his wish, house, or glebe, at a convenient distance from it, as far as regarded the transference of Sherwood which might be rented or purchased for a very to Reginald, would be granted. Mr. Selden moderate sum. This locality possessed many was not apt to waver in his resolutions, or to advantages and presented a field for extensive adopt new plans of action at the suggestion of usefulness, which determined Charles to go thithany one; and Charles was sure from his prom-er immediately. Mr. Selden insisted on making ise to consider of the plan, that it accorded in a the repairs and some comfortable additions to great measure with views and feelings hitherto the house at his own expense; and Mrs. Selden unacknowledged to himself. He did not doubt that Mr. Selden still loved him, but was not that love lessened since the pride and hope, which mingles so largely in most men's affections for their sons, had been crushed by his choice of a profession? How often had this question arisen in his heart, and how often had he checked, though never answered it!

and Margaret were indefatigable in making up household linen and getting together all necessary articles for housekeeping. Virginia too assisted, but not very efficiently, for though sense of duty and affectionate feeling induced her to assist in the useful, but homely occupations in which her mother and sister were engaged, they accorded so little with her taste and inclinations, that she was continually falling into reveries, during which she almost forgot to move her fingers, and scarcely knew whether she was hemming or stitching.

Charles had fully weighed, and thoroughly understood, all the sacrifices which his choice of a profession involved; nor did he shrink from them, or waver for a moment in his resolution, yet he could not wholly repress the feelings of pain Charles had already written to invite his aunt, which sometimes awakened in his heart, when Mrs. Mason, to come and reside with him, as the any circumstances forcibly reminded him that mistress of his establishment. This arrangement the strict union of pleasures, of pursuits, of in- met with the entire approval of all his family, as terests, that once subsisted between his father, they felt very averse to the idea of his being exbrothers, and himself, no longer existed. They posed to the discomforts and loneliness of a bachwere still kind as ever-perhaps as much attach-elor establishment, and they thought this plan ed to him; yet he perceived they looked upon would be alike advantageous to Mrs. Mason and him as one politically and civilly dead. His vo- himself. cation, they thought, was to mind heavenly things, Mrs. Mason, sister of Mrs. Selden, was a wiand how this was to be fulfilled in the ordinary dow about forty years of age. She had married duties and circumstances of life, they had not for love after a very long engagement, as her formed an idea. Even in Virginia the same feel-marriage had been deferred by Mr. Mason's peing, though differently displayed, was percepti-cuniary embarrassments and repeated failures ble; but in the society of Mrs. Selden and Mar- and disappointments in his attempts to benefit his garet, he always found sympathy, encourage- fortunes. After a few years' union, Mr. Mason ment and appreciation—those inestimable bless-died suddenly and left her with a slender provis

It was now a May evening, and the family circle had assembled together in the parlor, all occupied with the thought, that they were so soon to lose one of the group from amongst their number, and some of them engaged in picturing to themselves Charles' future fate in the most gloomy and unattractive colors.

ion for herself and two little boys, who were then almost infants. For many years previous to her marriage, Mrs. Selden had resided at Sherwood, and had become almost as tenderly attached to her sister's children, as if they had been her own. All shared her love, but Charles was her especial favorite. All remembered her now with affection, and could recall a thousand kind acts Charles was standing at a window, regarding and instances of affection for which they had the fields and forests clothed with the first bright been indebted to Aunt Charlotte; but Charles young verdure of spring, and the gay tints of the remembered her with peculiar tenderness. He flower garden, absorbed in reverie so serious as knew that Mrs. Mason had long wished to re- to amount almost to sadness. The first bright move from her present situation, as it was in period of life is past, such was the tenor of his many respects a disadvantageous residence, and thoughts; be it mine now to fulfil the great ends she had lingered there from year to year, chiefly for which life itself was given, nor look back at because all the happy years of her marriage had the pleasant path which I must no longer tread, been spent at this spot, and every object was as- but press upward to the perilous and elevated associated with the memory of her first and only cents, to which I am called by a Divine voice. love. But Mrs. Mason had too much strength Can I dread to tread any path sustained by Alof principle to sacrifice the welfare of her chil-mighty love, guided by Almighty wisdom! dren to the indulgence of sentiment, and he was Mr. Selden looked around him with an air sure she would not hesitate to accept his offer of of discomfort and vexation, perhaps felt more assisting her in the education of her boys, if she strongly because not expressed in words; then would do him the favor of presiding over and di- approaching the mantel-piece said, turning to recting his establishment. The delicate and af- his daughters : fectionate manner in which Charles expressed "I wish, girls, instead of these vases of flowhis wish to Mrs. Mason, touched her heart deep-ers, we had a cheerful fire; roses and pinks are ly, and she did not lose a moment in replying to quite unseasonable on such an execrably damp. his letter and giving an immediate and grateful chilly evening. I can see no reason why I should assent to his proposal. be tortured with rheumatism, because it is the month of May and roses are in bloom."

It was now only two or three days before the time Charles was to leave his father's house, and though it was only for the distance of fifty miles, the idea of the approaching separation was very painful to all. Mr. Selden's pain at parting with his son was not so poignant as his mortification and regret at Charles' choice of a profession, which became more vivid now that he was about

to enter on the duties of it, as he realized it more forcibly. It required all his kindness, and all the self-command he could exert, to enable him to

Margaret rang the bell and ordered John, who answered the summons, to kindle a fire immediately.

"And take care you do not roast us alive," added Mr. Selden.

A cheerful fire was soon kindled on the hearth. Mr. Selden busied himself in finding something and one cause of discontent being thus removed, else of which he could complain, but nothing abstain from any expression of his feelings which presenting itself to his observation, or recollec might cause Charles unnecessary pain, and he tion, he took refuge in moody silence, and drawcould not always, when he was alone with Mrs.ing his chair to the hearth, fixed his eyes upon Selden, repress his vexation at her want of sympathy with him on this subject.

the embers.

evening."

"How dull we all are," said Arthur, yawning Charles' manner was so affectionate and resand sauntering to a window to look out; " pectful towards his father and mother, so free east wind blowing too, and clouds collecting for from all assumption of superiority towards his a long, rainy season. Mother, if you have a brothers, so cheerful and kind to his sisters, that good, strong rope, which can be procured withit was impossible for Mr. Selden to find any cause out much trouble, I think I'll hang myself this for reproach; but as the endearing and noble qualities of his heart, the rare and varied powers of his mind, became daily more apparent, his father's regret at the sacrifice, as he considered it, which he was about to make, became deeper. He would often murmur to himself, as he looked at Charles, "What a pity-what a pity, and nothing can be done to help it."

"We cannot spare you yet," said Margaret, laughing; "you are too useful. I need your services now to play a game of backgammon with me."

"I am quite ready for any thing that promises the faintest ray of amusement, but I thought y were too much devoted to making sheets a

illow-cases to take time for any other employment."

'Oh, but my task is done now," said Margaet, folding up her work; "so you may take our choice between backgammon and suicide." Then to oblige you, I will defer the act of elf-immolation for the present."

He added in a low tone to his sister, as they vere arranging the backgammon men, “I unHerstand the plan-this game is not for my amusement, or yours, in reality—I am to play with my Father, and you are to move the men."

“You don't object I hope❞—

“Oh no—any thing to restore good humorI am willing to make any sacrifice for that purpose."

After eyeing the game for some minutes, Mr. Selden approached the table and began, as he usually did on such occasions, to act as Margaret's adviser.

Meantime Charles had moved to the spot where Virginia was sitting with her work in her hand, though her thoughts were evidently not at all engaged in her occupation, from the slowness with which her fingers moved, and the abstracted air of her countenance.

What are you thinking about, Virginia," he said; "not this work I am sure."

"He is a noble animal," said Arthur, gratified to find his gift duly appreciated, "and almost as fond of you Charles, as of myself. You will miss our dogs and horses sadly. I don't know how one gets through life without them."

There was a general laugh at the simple earnnestness with which Arthur spoke, and Reginald now first looked up from a book which he had been for some time intently perusing.

"My contribution, Charles, has been planned long ago. I have procured some valuable historical works for the purpose of sharing them with you; they will afford interesting occupation for your intervals of leisure."

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Stop-don't thank him yet, Charles," said Arthur laughing. Margaret has not told us yet, what she intends to do. I dare say, all the goods and chattels she possesses are already secretly packed up, to be despatched to the new establishment."

"You have given me more credit for generosity than I deserve. I have packed up nothing but my tea-china; this will match Virginia's vases: then it will have the advantage of making Charles and Aunt Mason think of me at least once a day."

"Now comes the time for my speech," said Charles, smiling.

"I was thinking, what a sort of a place the "Not yet," said Mr. Selden, with a look of Glebe is, and imagining the vines of honey-restored good humor. "I must not be outdone suckles and roses clustering around the porch, in generosity by these children-so I will give and the birds building their nests in the bushes; you one of my best riding horses. I had once then I was furnishing it all neatly, and just as you intended Bayard for you, but he would perhaps spoke, I was adorning the mantel-piece with be too spirited, and look too flashy, so you can flowers in my beautiful old china vases, which take any of the others you prefer." my grandmother gave me. I mean this to be my offering to the new establishment."

Thank you, a thousand times, Virginia; but it is a pity to waste that rare china on a bachelor brother. I am sure too, my grandmother never designed it such a fate."

"Indeed, you will mortify me cruelly, if you refuse to accept it as a memento from me. Aunt Mason, I know, will appreciate it."

"Since you are so kind as to allow me to make a selection, I prefer abiding by your original intention, and taking Bayard. It would be a shame, father, to have profited so little by your lessons in horsemanship, as not to be able to manage such a noble animal, and I like him all the better for being handsome."

"That's right Charles," said Arthur with a look of approbation. I don't see why a minister shonld give up all manly exercises, all pleasure in life, and pace about on an ambling pony like an old woman.'

That is a very good notion of Virginia's," said Arthur, whose quick ear caught every thing passing around him. "I don't know that flower vases will be particularly useful, but then I think we should all contribute to set you up, as a new housekeeper of course wants every thing. What "Oh, mamma, no one would ever think of you say you to taking my Newfoundland dog, Nero, in connection with old women," said Virginia. you, and my new fowling-piece; but I sup- Certainly not; if every one was like you, pose," he added, in a tone of genuine compas- Virginia, I should continue to be a heroine of rosion, “you would not think it proper to shoot." mance to the end of my days. You have com“I don't think there is any harm in shooting, menced a hopeless war, my dear, against realiArthur; but then I scarcely expect to have time ties; it is best just to take things as they are with for it; but the dog would be a real treasure-it the best grace we can." will be like carrying a friend from home with

Take care what you say of old women," said Mrs. Selden laughing.

with

me."

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"As Margaret does, for instance,” said Arthur. "How? I don't understand you, Arthur,"

VOL. XV-62