thus make the steward's fortunate payments generally useful. Clare, of course, required no share of what would be to the Earl of Hastings a mere drop in the ocean. Besides, it was his pride to say that he had acted up to his original intentions, and chosen a bride who was neither an heiress nor a spoilt child. Margarita was of infinite service, and almost usurped Miriam's seat, who was so much engaged with her own wedding raiment, as to be oblivious of the long-discussed trousseau of her young mistresses; though, to be sure, she did as much as three people, in one way and another. The intended marriage of the Earl of Hastings soon spread far and near, and it was, therefore, impossible, and indeed unnecessary, for Lady Llewellen longer to preserve her incognito. Mrs. Wynne and her friends were made acquainted with Clare's relationship to Gwenthlean, and other of the family secrets, which induced that lady to call upon Lady Llewellen and her daughters. Her example was followed. by others of the neighbouring gentry, Lady Jones and her daughters inclusive, who considered the mother of the future Coun tess of Hastings, whatever she might now be or had been, to be a most eligible acquaintance. The once humble Gwenthlean was cited as a belle, and people did not hesitate to say that it was a pity she should throw herself away upon a poor curate and ci-devant tutor, however handsome and talented he might be, when there would be little doubt of her making a splendid match amongst her sister's friends and acquaintances. It was rumoured, also, that Mr. Grant had left the country owing to a disappointment received from this cruel rustic, and various but most unsatisfactory, were the conjectures and conclusions drawn thereupon. From a life of perfect retirement and obscurity, our friends were brought into general notice, and the Llewellen family, their histories, reverses, and final good fortune, were subjects of uni versal discussion throughout the county for seven long days. Gwenthlean, her beauty, accomplishments, and the efforts she had made for her family, dwelt upon every tongue; whilst Herbert, and his adventures, came in for a due share of the public regard. The subjects of these remarks, meanwhile, went on as quietly as ever, with this exception, that the various matrimonial preparations went on with them. Herbert was ordained, and was to take his new curacy with his bride. Lord Hastings's settlements were munificent, and all that he did for every one generous to a degree; but Clare said that she almost envied Gwenthlean her unmonied lot, since she had never endured anything so dreadful as to be obliged to descend to such sublunary matters as parchments and deeds, from the seventh heaven of true-love, in which the vulgar dross, hath not, or ought not to have, a part. Thus matters stood, when Colonel Llewellen wrote to say, that Pontavou was ready, curacy and all, by which time the parchments had been signed and sealed, the wedding dresses completed, and the mill, miller, and Miriam trim as the money-out-at-interest," and their own joint exertions, could make them. CHAPTER XIV. Leave, neighbours, your work, and to sport and to play; Let the tabor strike up, and the village be gay: seen, For Ralph of the mill marries Sue of the green. GARRICK It was the freshest and brightest of May mornings. The sun's broad face was all laughter and joy; the sky was not shadowed by a single cloud: the sea heaved and swelled into an undulating dance, |