countable degree of anxiety, so this seemed to yield undue satisfaction. If these powerful emotions are to find an explanation, it must be in some future event of the history. In the midst of his satisfaction, however, he was little affected by the more important parts of the letter. He blamed himself for the severe manner in which he had written, and admired the moderated temper of Douglas; and, perhaps, he did this, the more readily, that, in the exercise, those impressions which were of a religious character, might evaporate. Such is the subtlety of the human heart!

Notwithstanding the tender and unexceptionable behaviour of Douglas, Lefevre's conduct from this period was sensibly changed. He became more shy and reserved; and encreasingly avoided his society. He seemed to have lost his former confidence and dignity towards him; and was careful merely to avoid giving him offence.

Douglas, however, was determined on his course. He would not pay indifference with indifference; but would maintain his

hold on his friend to the last. He thought he could easily account for Lefevre's deportment. He was aware that Wallis was endeavouring to create prejudices in his mind; and, he knew, that his admonitions could not be grateful to him, and that his very presence must remind him of the height from which he had fallen, of the joys he had cast away. But he was persuaded that Lefevre still respected and loved him; and he was resolved his respect and love should be made to contribute, as far as possible, to his deliverance. The hand of Providence was once more about to extend itself to co-operate with Douglas, in executing his benevolent purpose.

CHAPTER XVI.

IN the ensuing spring, Douglas was called to suffer great domestic trials. His grief soon found its way to the sympathetic heart of Lefevre; and he hastened to his side, to verify, by the kindest attentions, the unabated strength of his friendship. He was not now, indeed, sufficiently at ease with himself, to pay those little offices on common occasions, which once made him the most obliging of persons; but extraordinary events could yet call forth the great and good qualities of his mind.

Douglas received the sympathies of Lefevre, as they were a pledge of love, with answering kindness; and, as they were a likely means of benefiting him who offered them, with hopeful joy. His overtures of assistance were embraced, as they would necessarily multiply their in

terviews; and as it became needful for Douglas to take a short journey on an afflictive errand, he pressed his friend to accompany him. It was not easy for Lefevre to deny a friend in adversity any thing; and, at considerable inconvenience, he put himself in a condition to meet his request. The engagement terminated seriously.

As they

They left home in a gig. were entering one of the narrow streets leading to Cheapside, the horse, a spirited creature, took fright, at the smacking of a carman's whip immediately over his head. Douglas, who was driving, did his, utmost to restrain the animal, but in vain; he went at full gallop. They soon per-. ceived two flour waggons coming down. the very centre of the street. It was inpossible for them to clear the way in time-death was before them! Lefevre, in the alarm, seized the reins, and, as though only thinking of the safety of his friend, exclaimed, "Douglas, get out behind!"-"No," said Douglas, "we'll live or die together-leave the reins!"-still doing

his best, though the case was hopeless. They did clear the forewheel of the first waggon, but struck against the hind one with such violence as snapped the axletree in two. They were both thrown, by the jerk, into the air; while the maddened horse continued running, with the remnants of the gig at his heels.

Lefevre fell by the wheel, and only received a slight injury on the arm. Douglas was cast at greater distance, beneath the feet of the horses in the second team. The driver was so stupified by the occurrence that he did not think to stop them. His fall had made Douglas insensible. Two of the horses stepped over him, doing him no harm, except grazing his cheek with their shoes! He came to his senses for a moment, and saw a twelveinch wheel just upon him! He sprang on his feet, exclaiming, "My God!" and the next moment fell into the arms of some persons who had come to his help, and again fainted away.

Lefevre forgot his own hurt in the greater injuries of Douglas. He sent for