Page:The Talisman.pdf/53

Rh flowers, or opened into a garden whose roses looked in at the window. There her mother was sitting; and Charles was touched (how could he be otherwise?) by the earnest and simple delight of his welcome. Their history was soon told. Mrs. Cameron’s lawsuit had been decided in her favour, and their present competency was rendered more delicious by past poverty. They had immediately left London; and this accounted for Charles's not having been able to find them out when he made the endeavour, which, in justice to his gratitude, we ought to mention he had done. "Your books are quite safe," said Mrs. Cameron, "and so is your writing-table; but they are in Ellen's room, for she is a great reader." Ellen blushed to the temples. Their visitor smiled when he remembered how little his learned and ponderous tomes were likely to interest the young and fair creature who had them in her care. Charles Smythe was pressed to stay dinner. He consented; and the day passed pleasantly enough to make him say, towards evening, "I wish I could find a house to suit me." The words "I wish” struck upon his heart with a cold chill, which was forgotten as he thought how very lovely the flush of delight made Ellen's always beautiful face. We will omit the love-making, as it must be personal to be pleasant; and come to the conclusion, which every reader can by this time foresee, viz.