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Rh the restraint that existed between him and his daughter; though convinced, at the same time, it was one of those evils for which, at all events, no stranger could bring a remedy. More familiarity of intercourse might have taught both parent and child the affection hidden in each other's heart; but this would have been to reverse the long-established custom. They never took their meals together; there was no hour in the day to which they looked as a rallying point, where each is prepared with the little narrative of daily occurrence, only interesting from daily listening. As to Arden, he was more gloomy and unsocial than ever. Of what could the scenes of his boyhood remind him, but of talents wasted, of time departed, and of hopes gone by for ever!

The first day they were able to walk out, the young people hastened to explore the neighbourhood.

"That is Avonleigh," said Lucy, as they paused upon an eminence, which commanded a fine sweep of country, "though you can scarcely see it for the trees; and that old hall, on whose gray walls the sunbeams are glistening, is Evelyn House,—perhaps you might like to go over it? there are some beautiful pictures."

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Francesca, interrupting