66 I am Miss Fitzallan," replied O'Niel, persuaded he will consider himself amply repaid." "That is a reward I cannot promise," returned the general; "I must first be convinced he is worthy the treasure, and I must also be certain that my Rosella prefers him to all mankind; and of that she cannot herself be assured, before an introduction to the world gives her an opportunity of deciding, by comparing him with other young men of fashion." "Mr. Ornville will gain by the comparison," returned O'Niel; "Miss Fitzallan will find him superior to all, and you know, general, in default of male issue on your part, the title of Austincourt descends to him." Miss Fitzallan rose from her seat, and leaned over the side of the vessel, to indulge the delightful probability of an introduction to Edmund Ornville, who, being her cousin, would have claims to her regard, regard, independent of the debt of gratitude she owed him. The evening had now closed in, and. the general would have persuaded Rosella to retire to the cabin, fearing the night-air would be injurious to her health; but a bright moon and a clear sky, thickly studded with stars, were objects too glorious and attractive to be left for the impure air of a close cabin, and being defended from the cold by a coat lined with fur,, she sat down between her father and O'Niel, and for some moments silently watched the undulating waves, which, as they tranquilly flowed along, reflected the splendour of the moon, which spread on the surface of the water a mantle of silver. "It is a heavenly night," said Miss Fitzallan-" every thing in nature seems to repose in peaceful harmony-how splendid is the sky! how calm the sea!" The general sighed heavily-" Just like the human mind as it is stamped by nature," ture,” replied he" so lovely, so tranquil, is the bosom of youth, before the passions, bursting from the control of reason, destroy its peace." "Heaven, of its mercy, keep me from the dominion of the passions!" rejoined Rosella, "There is but one passion, my child," resumed the general, " likely to destroy the peace of a mind so gentle and amiable as yours-I mean love, and even that may be productive of happiness as well as misery." "The passions, to be sure," said O'Niel, ❝ often lead men into terrible scrapesbut, by the powers! I must not go to speak a word disrespectful of the passions, for to their influence alone, sure, the gentlemen of my profession owe not only their celebrity, but their fortunes; if it was not for those pretty little passions, anger, covetousness, and revenge, by St. Patrick! it would be altogether more profitable to be a shoeblack than a lawyer." "I remember to have read of a country," said Miss Fitzallan, "where the practice of physic was prohibited by royal authority, and the people did well, and lived to a patriarchal age; now, with respect to law, sir, if it was interdicted, do you not believe differences might be amicably settled, and mankind live at peace with each other?" Before O'Niel could reply to this question, the soft notes of a flute were heard, and general Fitzallan inquired of the captain who it was that played, as the air was English? He was informed that the musician was a youth who was working his way to England, and who passed all his idle time in playing on the flute and singing"But as to his music," said the captain, "it does not suit my ear-I don't understand his language, and all his tunes are doleful-I like something merry." The general was fond of music, and he listened attentively to a Scotch air, which was was very correctly and tastefully played, and The captain said he should be gratified 66 66 "I believe not, sir," replied O'Conner, 66 And who was your mother?" asked 66 That, sir, I never heard," replied |