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had been settled about a fortnight at Holmhurst, the name of Lawrence Aylmer's farm; when, one evening, finding Francesca and Guido alone, Arden gave the former a closely-written packet. "This," said he, "is for Lord Avonleigh. It has been, for the last three nights, my wretched task. Its contents are already known to you; for it contains my history, and will explain every thing. Give it to him yourself, Francesca—let him see your mother in your face; and for your sake he may forgive me. I leave this to-morrow."

An exclamation of surprise broke from both his hearers.

"Why should you go?" cried Francesca; "you have not a connexion or a friend in the wide world, save among ourselves. Have we given