Dilemmas of Pride, (Vol 3 of 3)

f her son. She knelt at the side of the bed, on which she had insisted on his laying himself, and, if

y pourtrayed the infant years of this her darling son;-the smiling babe sleeping in her bosom; the laughing child playing at her feet. Then followed pictures of his boyish sports and gleeful hours, till her heart bled; then traits of docile obedience and dutiful affection; and, as he grew in years, of that gentle, noble, self-immolating nature, so peculiarly his own. All these were remembered with tender yearnings which no words can describe. A fearful idea next presented itself, that such beings were but lent to earth: they were not destined to sojourn with us; in a moment of agony and terror to those left behind, they were caught up again, and absorbed by that all-perfect spirit of which they were but emanations. Such thoughts gave, for a time, a character of wildness to the fervour of her prayers; confusion of every faculty foll

pense to get through, sleep was thought of no more-conversation was renew

den, that it was impossible for any one to believe him guilty. As for Alfred himself, his confidence was still based on the firm belie

voidable moment came, was indeed a severe pang. But this over, Lady Arden's demeanor, among the numerous friends who flocked aro

ance did so; while also the very excess of almost reverential consideration for himself seemed to infer such a feeling; and she could not forgive any one, however kind and well-meani