CHAPTER III.

The blight rankled deep, in the bloom of his heart.

F. H.

Scarcely had day broken on the succeeding morning, when immense multitudes sembled on the high lands at the top of the Bay, to ascertain the fate of the sufferers. Owing to the haziness of the atmosphere, nothing could be distinguished at any distance from the shore, and as none were sufficiently hardy in the present state of the weather, to venture to the foot of the clift, whose base was at all times washed by the tide at high water; the greater part at length dispersed, with the intention of returning whenever the gale subsided. Some few, however, still remained; amongst whom was a young man, an entire stranger, but whose dress and demeanour alike bespoke him to be a gentleman. The cloak in which he

was enveloped was soaked with the rain, to which it had evidently been exposed for a considerable time: whilst his pallid countenance, and sunken eyes, told at once the fatigue and anxiety he had undergone.

The appearance of this youth had for some time attracted the attention of an elderly gentleman of the name of Summers, who resided in the neighbourhood; and whose humanity in this instance, as well as many others, had led him to relinquish the indulgence of his customary morning's nap, which his years rendered not only excusable, but necessary. Approaching the stranger, Captain Summers, after apologising for intruding on his attention, requested him to walk as far as his residence, at no great distance, and refresh himself: adding, that it was unlikely any thing farther would be learned, for some hours, respecting the wrecks: until the tide, by retiring, gave them an opportunity of investigating the beach beneath the precipice. Politely thanking him for his hospitality, the stranger frankly accepted the invitation; and

the old gentleman drawing his arm within his own, immediately proceeded towards his cottage, which was visible from the spot whereon they met.

On their arrival at the residence of Captain Summers, when the stranger laid aside his cloak, the former was surprised at seeing the whole of his clothes completely drenched: so much so, as to lead to an inquiry, if he did not find himself inconvenienced by the wet or cold. The stranger replied in the negative, and added, that in climbing among the rocks, during the night, he had unfortunately slipped into a pond, formed in a chasm; but that, being accustomed to be wet, he regarded it as an incident of little consequence: however, if he might trespass so far, he would venture to request his entertainer, to oblige him with a piece of linen, as he conceived he had slightly cut one of his arms in falling. With this application, Captain Summers not only immediately complied, but likewise insisted on his retiring and changing his apparel; as a suit of his

Son's, (the old man's lips trembled as he spoke) he was convinced, would fit him; and a proper regard for his own health, he felt assured, would place a denial out of the question. The stranger bowed and retired: but the heart of the Father, awakened at the mention of his Son, throbbed tumultuously for an instant-a tear filled the furrow in his cheek-but the remembrance of his virtues, soothed the pang that passed o'er him, with an influence as healthful as the Dew-drop's to the Rose !

CHAPTER IV.

"The hand to do, the soul to dare."

WALTER SCOTT.

The early hour of eight in the morning, saw the family of Captain Summers, consisting of his wife and two daughters, assembled round the breakfast table: and they, on being informed that a stranger was to join them, cheerfully awaited his coming. He at length entered the parlour, and the eyes of all were immediately directed towards him, with an earnestness that caused him some little embarrassment: however, speedily recovering himself, he advanced towards the table, with the self possession of a man accustomed to society; and having thanked Captain Summers for his attention, he took a seat at the table, after receiving, with suitable acknowledgments, a friendly introduction to the ladies surrounding it.

The stranger appeared to be about twenty