further recesses of the grove. Mr. Harcourt unclosed it with a key he drew from his pocket, and refastening it with care, proceeded onwards, still preserving a grave silence.

After passing between a row of spreading trees for some paces, they at length reached an open space, which was ornamented by the choicest shrubs, and most beautiful flowers variegating the mossy turf; and in the midst of this secluded parterre, stood a white marble edifice in the form of a Grecian temple. Alice looked at her uncle in amazement, waiting an explanation of what appeared to her some awful mystery; when she saw him, on their reaching the beautiful edifice, uncover his head with devout respect, and stand pale and speechless.

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Alice," at last he said, after subduing with a violent effort his emotion, “within that structure repose the remains of your venerated parents! With every possible degree of respect and care, by my orders

they have been removed, to this spot, which I had constructed to contain them; and I feel a mournful pleasure in knowing that they rest so near me. Here I shall come every day and humble myself before the throne of God; and here, near the ashes of my excellent relatives, I shall solace myself with the idea that their blessed spirits will intercede for me, and obtain for me the pardon of my sins. When I die, may I also be placed within this mausoleum; and may I by a life of contrition, make some amends for the evil I have done!"

"May we all meet again in heaven, my dearest uncle!" cried Alice, much affected; "and may I be allowed to render your days on earth peaceful and happy, following the precepts of my beloved mother for my rule of conduct! She taught me that true faith in the merits of our Redeemer, and a conscientious discharge of the duties of this life, will ensure us peace on earth, and eternal

happiness in heaven. Let us follow this rule, my uncle, and our hopes of happiness will be well founded.-How sacred is this spot," continued Alice, after a long silence; "here I shall almost fancy myself again in the presence of my parents. These flowers my own hands shall cultivate these shrubs must all be my care -blessed beyond measure in the endearing and sacred occupation! How truly kind and considerate you have been to me, my good, indulgent uncle! For this last, this most inestimable blessing, I could thank you even on my knees."

CONCLUSION.

I MUST now, my dear children, draw my simple tale to a close.

By you I am sure it will be received with affection and interest; and to my other young readers, I trust its perusal will be productive of amusement, and, I should hope, instruction. It will, indeed, be no inconsiderable source of satisfaction to me, if I may imagine that its tendency will have the effect of doing good, of exciting dormant energies, of inducing those who possess talents to cultivate them, not merely as ornaments to adorn the possessor, but as sources of real utility to yourself and others. The dis

tribution of talents is indeed unequal; but let not the humble possessor of one talent repine, nor the richly-gifted glory. Though your acquirements and capacity be limited, you may still find important duties to perform, and graces to cul

may

tivate.

May the example of my Alice teach you to tread the path of duty with humility; and even should it be one of suffering, may you remember by whom it has been trodden, and whither it leads! The path of duty, indeed, is not always a way of pleasantness, but it is ever found to be that of peace.

How really peaceful must have been the feelings of Alice, possessing, as she did, the delightful conviction of having conscientiously fulfilled the end of her virtuous existence; of having discharged every obligation which nature and principle would suggest; and acted up to the strictest line of filial duty!

I rejoice to say, that her future life