"He saw her upon nearer view,
A spirit, but a woman too,"
and who seemed in every way inclined to bestow her notice on the promising, agreeable student of the Middle Temple?
Why?—but because he determined to allow no cherub face to usurp the foremost place in his affections, no "ladye love," with form however beautiful, to become the reigning, mistress of his house and hearth until that beloved sister of his youth had secured a dearer, better home.
Besides, under any circumstances, he was not such a fool as to think of marrying for many a year yet; a pretty business it would be if over the dingy pages of Blackstone, and the year book, was for ever flitting the bewitching, radiant face of Carrie Elliott.
Thus, then, for a time shall we leave our heroine, whose fortunes, like the gentle flowing course of a glistening river, we have hitherto so undeviatingly pursued; whilst we turn aside, not willingly, to trace through their darker, wilder mazes, the fate and fortunes of those two beings, whom an inscrutable Providence had ordained should hold such important influence over her destiny.
CHAPTER IX.
Farewell; and if a soul where hatred's gall
Melts into pardon, that embalmeth all,
Can with forgiveness bless thee; from remorse
Can pluck the stone which interrupts the course
Of thought to God; and bid the waters rest
Calm in Heaven's smile—poor fellow-man, be blest!
THE NEW TIMON.