and was proceeding on her walk. Mrs. Oswald, however, acknowledged she was fatigued, and Catharine insisted on deferring her visit to the village until next day.

Dunallan studiously avoided the subject of religion during the remainder of the day, though Catharine made many attempts to introduce it. She felt that he had reason to be dissatisfied with the levity of her reply to the earnest kindness of his wishes for her, and she sought for an opportunity to obtain his forgiveness; but she sought in vain. Dunallan found means to change the subject the moment she introduced it, and conversed so agreeably about other things, that for a time she forgot her wish; but some new proof of kindness or consideration on his part soon again brought her fault to her recollection with increased regret.

"Mr. Dunallan," said she at last, when the evening was far spent, "you will not give me an opportunity to ask your forgiveness for my unpardonably foolish reply to the interest you expressed in my improvement this morning. I think you would forgive me if you knew how much pain the remembrance of it still gives me."

"I do, from my heart, forgive you, my dear Catharine, though, I confess, you disappointed Will you, in your turn, forgive me, if I speak very plainly, very seriously, to you now?"

me.

"Indeed I will. I wish you, Mr. Dunallan, always to speak so to me."

"Then, my dearest Catharine, I think I ought to remind you, that even a slight degree of levity on such subjects requires forgiveness from a higher source. You may pain your friend, but the right to be displeased is not mine. Am I too solemn, Catharine ?"

"You are indeed, very solemn, Mr. Dunallan,” replied Catharine, tears starting into her eyes.

"But am I improperly so?" asked he, with an expression of concern in his countenance. "I cannot tell, perhaps not."

"Will you examine ?"

"I certainly will."

"And can you forgive my plainness?" "Yes; and whatever I may feel, I still wish you to be perfectly so with me."

When Catharine was again alone, she reflected on this conversation, almost wishing to find that Dunallan had been too severe; but the more seriously and candidly she examined the subject, she felt the more convinced that he was right, and that her own mind and feelings were far too slightly alive to the deep importance of religion, and all that was connected with it. Her esteem for Dunallan increased. She felt also that he was deeply interested in her, as every word and look expressed it. The conviction of this was

now delightful to her, and animated her with the most earnest desire to understand his character and opinions. She felt certain they were right, and determined to attempt at least to comprehend them. Her imagination easily passed over every difficulty, and pictured the time when she and Dunallan should be united in opinions, in wishes, in pursuits, perhaps in affections. The waking dream was delightful-too delightful to be forsaken, till sleep at last mingled with it its still more unlikely visions.

CHAPTER VII.

NEXT morning Catharine obeyed the summons to prayers, with her determination of the evening before as strong as ever. Full of her new plans to study Dunallan's opinions, and frankly to avow her wish to know and be guided by them, she entered the library with her cheek glowing, and her whole manner and appearance unusually animated. Dunallan was alone, and rose to meet

her.

"I need scarcely inquire for your health, Catharine," said he smiling, and regarding her with looks of evident admiration.

"Inquire for my mind's health," replied she, smiling playfully.

"Those looks, Catharine, bespeak a tranquil mind also."

"Well, perhaps they may, for I have just formed a resolution which I hope will in future secure my peace of mind."

66

May I ask what that resolution is ?"

"Yes, for I cannot put it into execution with

out your consent."

66

My consent, dear Catharine!

then, whatever

your resolution is."

You have it

66

Ah, Mr. Dunallan, you do not know what you have promised. Nothing less than to assist and guide me in regulating this mind, which I know you think is in a sad state. Do you re

tract ?"

No, dearest Catharine, I thank you for the permission a thousand times. Shall I tell you that I was almost afraid to see you this morning, I dreaded so much that my solemnity last night had disgusted you.”

"No," replied Catharine, " on reflection I was convinced you were right. But, tell me, how shall I begin the attempt to feel more, and think more, as I ought to do on religious subjects?"

The entrance of Mrs. Oswald and the children prevented Dunallan's reply. Catharine felt disappointed, as the servants immediately followed.

"We shall not be interrupted,” said Dunallan, as he led her to the seat next himself, "your inquiry may be answered from Scripture ;" and he immediately began to read some verses of a Psalm, in which her question was asked and answered.

Catharine was affected; and her voice, as she sung, betrayed her emotion. Her mingled feelings were almost oppressive, until Dunallan's prayer gave them language and utterance. She fervently joined in his humble but joyful thanksgivings, for her heart overflowed with gratitude :