II.

The Broad Road.

"When I looke back, and in myselfe behold

The wandring waies that youth could not descry, And marke the fearful course that youth did hold, And mete in minde ech step youth strayed away; My knees I bow, and from my heart I call,

O Lord, forget these faultes and follies all.

Thou, that to life by power didst raise the dead;
Thou, that restordst the blind to perfect sight;
Thou, that for love Thy life and love outblead;
Thou, that of favour madest the lame go right;
Thou, that canst heale and helpe in all assayes,
Forgive the guilt that grew in youth's vaine waies."
LORD VAUX, 1580.

SEVERAL years have passed since the event with which the last chapter closed; and Eliza, who was then a little self-willed child, has reached the age of sixteen. Having no portrait to present as a frontispiece, the reader must try to picture her. Her features are neatly moulded and well proportioned; her voice is clear, her step is light, her spirits are buoyant; her figure is neat and slender, and she might be considered pretty, but that her eye wants the brightness, and her cheek the hue, of perfect health. ness has left its traces on her countenance, and hidden seeds of which she and her friends are

unaware.

Sick

Several dangerous illnesses marked Eliza's childhood; and at the age of ten, when brought very low by scarlet fever, her medical attendant gave it as his opinion that she would eventually go off in consumption,-that she might live till thirty, but not longer. As she grew in strength and stature, the recollection of this prophetic

warning seems to have passed from the minds of her relatives, till recalled by its subsequent fulfilment. She, at least, never suffered it to trouble her. That there could be any other world to live for than this, was a thought which either never entered her mind, or was dismissed as speedily as possible.

The circumstances in which Eliza was placed were favourable to health and pleasure. Her father occupied a respectable position as a master carpenter and builder, and employed a considerable number of men under him. He was able to provide for the education of his daughters without any demand upon their own exertions. Eliza's home was agreeable and comfortable, situated in the pure air and beautiful neighbourhood of Clifton Down. In front of the house was the pleasant green of the Down, with the shady seats under the spreading chesnut trees, so identified with her subsequent history. To the right was Christ Church, and to the left rose St Vincent's Rocks. Eliza had a piano and a green-house. She loved music and flowers, and could indulge in those innocent pleasures. But she had other and less simple tastes. She already loved the world, and panted for its unrestrained enjoyment.