"what will you charge for this lady and little | cals when with my regiment, I wondered that girl to Elgin?

"Ten shillings," said the man.

The funds of the party were compared, and were evidently insufficient; the lady also appeared unwilling to avail herself of the contributions of her companions, though most anx-cess. ious to procure a seat for the child.

"What is the least you will take my little girl for?" she asked.

"Why, three-and-sixpence," replied the coachman-" no less; so be sharp-we can't stay here all night."

"Oh, I am so glad!" exclaimed the mother, lifting the child in her arms. "Now, darling, I don't care for myself, so that you can ride." "But I can walk quite well, dear mammaI am not tired," said the child, evidently unhappy at the idea of being separated from her mother.

the idea of trying the stage had never occurred to me. Here, however, was an opportunity; and I resolved on offering my services to the Manager for an appearance or two, my future engagement to depend upon my sucThe thought was exhilarating; and my dreams were filled with visions of surpassing Kemble, and acting in London under my own name, to the infinite mortification of my proud relatives.

ance and manner were admirably suited to the character; she was evidently a gentlewoman. Indeed there was much good acting in the play; at the conclusion of which, the curtain was again drawn up, the orchestra played a symphony, and the little girl, for whom so many had been interested on her weary way in the snow-storm, came forward to sing. She was the very impersonation of the pictures and statuettes of Little Red Ridinghood,' wearing a short red cloak, and her beautiful little feet bare. How picturesque she looked! The audience welcomed the tiny vocalist with enthusiasm. Her sweet voice, joined to the simple words of her song

"Next day, I made my promised call, but was informed that the lady and the little girl were gone to rehearsal. I was right, thenshe was an actress. I left my card, intimating that I would take the liberty of calling at an earlier hour on the following morning. Of course, that night I went to the theatre — a neat, temporary place, fitted up in the townhall and took my seat in what were called Had I not been interested in the scene, the boxes, which were the front benches, parcommon humanity would have prompted me titioned off from the rest. The comedy comto interfere. "Madam," I said, "oblige me menced, and enter Lady Grace-the identiby occupying this seat next me; for your lit-cal person whom I had buttoned up in the tle girl's sake, who evidently will not come guard's top-coat of many capes! Her appearwithout you; I must insist upon it." I spoke decidedly, holding out my hand at the same time to assist her; the coachman was in a hurry, and the next instant the lady and her child were seated beside me. The guard threw them an extra top-coat he had stowed away in the boot. I buttoned them both up in it, and under the shelter of my umbrella, they were comparatively comfortable. I could not help wondering who my companions were; but the severity of the storm prevented much conversation; the child, being wrapped up warmly fell asleep, and the mamma seemed inclined to be silent. On arriving at Elgin about seven o'clock, the lady expressed a wish to procure a private lodging; I insisted on accompanying her in the search; so giving her my arm, and my hand to the little girl, I sallied forth with my new acquaintances, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing them comfortably established in two very neat apartments. I then took my leave, without even knowing the name of those for whom I was so interested, but not without obtaining permission to wait upon them on the following morning. Sauntering back to my hotel, I was attracted by the exhibition of a bill in a shopwindow, announcing the opening of a theatre. was so full of pathos so, to me, descriptive It instantly struck me that my roadside friends of the child's real situation, that I, with the rest must be part of the corps dramatique. The of the audience, was completely carried out of season was to commence on the following the mimic scene, and she concluded her song night with the comedy of the Provoked Hus- amidst a shower of silver. This was scarcely band; Lady Grace by Mrs. Brockley; and pardonable, but it was irresistible. In my the song of Over the Mountain and Over the after-acquaintance with Mrs. Brockley, I often Moor, between the play and farce, by Miss entreated her to let Winny sing that song on Brockley. I felt a strong presentiment that the stage again; but her honest, independent these were my new friends; and recollecting pride would never consent to it—she had not how successful I had been in private theatri- calculated on such a result. Next morning, I

Over the mountain, and over the moor,
Hungry and barefoot I wander forlorn
My father is dead, and my mother is poor,
And she weeps for the days that can never return:
then her beseeching manner, with clasped
hands, as she finished the verse:—
Cold blows the wind, and the night's coming on;
Pity, kind gentlefolks, friends to humanity;
Give me some food for my mother, in charity;
Give me some food, and then I'll be gone,

ORPHAN WINNY.

spent a pleasant hour with Mrs. Brockley and that the same insidious malady (consumption) her little daughter, and escorted them to re- which had brought her husband to an early hearsal, when I sent in my card to the mana- grave, would shortly make Winny an orphan; obtained an interview, and, apparently to and her dying prayer would be, that her daughger, his great satisfaction, arranged to appear as ter might be snatched from a profession in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, about a fortnight which her husband and herself-perhaps as But a just punishment for their imprudencefrom the commencement of the season. my plans were doomed to be frustrated. How- had suffered so much misery. As I had ample - an interest which ever, in the mean time, I became greatly inter- leisure, and still felt the same extraordinary ested in Mrs. Brockley's affairs. She told me interest in little Winny -and I may repeat her history in a few the circumstances I have detailed can scarcely words-that, born in India, she was placed warrant, and which, I confess, is a mysat a boarding-school in England, and becom- tery to myself-I started for the north. ing acquainted with Mr. Brockley, a younger The company of strollers were acting in this son, whose father insisted on his marrying a town, and Mrs. Brockley fortunately occupied rich widow, many years older than himself, a Mrs. Grey's apartments: fortunately-I ought, romantic attachment ensued, which terminated perhaps, to say providentially-for the exin a private marriage, and finally, to avoid the ceeding kindness of that excellent woman did wrath of his father, an elopement. But their much to smooth the pillow of the sufferer. rash union brought nothing but misery; their I had the satisfaction of arriving in time to means were soon exhausted and utterly calm the anxiety of the dying mother; a smile abandoned by her own and her husband's re- for an instant seemed to roll back the curtain lations to save themselves from beggary, which death was dropping over the face, and they had embraced the theatrical profession. endeavoring to press my hand, her last words Placed in a position for which they had little were: "Protect my little darling orphan Wintalent and less liking, yet unable to extricate ny!" At first, I thought the child would inthemselves from it, the fatigue, vexations, ex- evitably follow her mother to the grave; her citement, and privations of the precarious life heart seemed breaking in continual sobs for they had chosen, at length threw her husband" dear mamma;" but Mrs. Grey's care won into a decline, which, after long suffering, ter- the little creature from her incessant grief. It minated his existence amidst poverty and sor- seemed desirable to leave her here for a short Left with her little daughter, who time; the society of the children would prove evinced extraordinary talent for the stage, the the most natural cure for her sorrow, and I young widow, without any friend to advise could then devise such arrangements as were what was best to be done, was still struggling best suited for bringing my little protégée home: on in a strolling company, compelled, as I had it is for that purpose my present visit is paid. witnessed, even in the depth of winter, to ac- I perceive that Winny has become attached to complish her journey on foot. Alas! this was a picture of the poor player, who struts and frets his hour upon the stage,' which had never before been exhibited to me, and yet it was from the life. I confess it disenchanted all my previously conceived visions of the careless Captain Singleton had conceived a strong joyousness of an actor's life; however, I flattered myself that the success of my debut prejudice against Winny's being sent to school, would place me in a very different position; arising, probably from the unhappy circumbut, within two days of that event, a letter from stance of her mother's imprudent elopement. my agent in town informed me that my We had much conversation on the subject, rebrother had been thrown from his horse and sulting in my accepting the situation of gov killed on the spot, and as he died childless, the erness to Miss Brockley. This was an unexI had parted from pected and happy event for me, who had been estate devolved upon me. my brother in wrath, and I was inexpressibly long dependant on my own exertions as a shocked at the suddenness of this catastrophe. mere drudging, unassisted teacher; while That night I took my place by the mail for London; and on bidding farewell to the Brockleys, entreated permission to be responsible for the expenses of Winny's education, and to be considered a friend on every emer

row.

gency.

"Some months after this, my own affairs having been easily arranged, I received a letter from Mrs. Brockley, expressing her fears

Mr. and Mrs. Grey and the children; and I fear, from her affectionate disposition, should she remain longer here, the separation would be too painful, and confirm a shade of melancholy in the character of my intended-to-be brilliant little Winny."

masters were to be engaged, and no expense spared to make my pupil as accomplished and elegant as she was beautiful. It was a painful parting for Winny and the Greys: little Ellen cried bitterly, clasping the neck of her play-fellow, and the boy declared he would "go with Winny." Mrs. Grey prayed "Heaven to bless the little orphan;" but Abel took the child in his arms, now wrapped up warmly in

ply" to woo and win.

her furred cloak and hood, purchased the day far and near, came in full "pomp and pano before for the journey by Captain Singleton, and carried her, that cold winter-morning, to where the mail stood ready horsed, within five minutes of starting.

"Winny," said good Abel Grey, as he placed her beside her new guardian," there is little likelihood of my ever seeing you again, my pet, though I think I love you as well as either of my own children; but if anything should happen to make you unhappy or unfriended in this world, recollect there will always be a home for you with Abel Grey the clothier."

she said in a low, determined voice: "Yesyou are my guardian, and I accept Mr. Oakdale." Upon this, without a word, Captain Singleton rose and left the room.

Then Captain Singleton seemed to have formed a resolution: he positively prohibited a refusal, which Winny unhesitatingly and instantaneously would have given. I remember the scene well, for I was present. "Winny," said the captain, "I must exercise the authorrity which-forgive the expression-my uniform care and kindness invest me with-and I insist on your giving a fair consideration to this young man's proposal. It has ever been my dearest wish that you should be properly settled in life, and here is an alliance offered The journey was not very speedily accom- which surpasses even my loftiest anticipations. plished in those days, but in due time we ar- Winny," continued he, in a tone almost of rived safely at Captain Singleton's estate in asperity, "it is my duty, as your guardian, to Devonshire. recommend your acceptance of young OakThe apartments commanding the finest dale." As he concluded, a deep blush crimprospect were appropriated to Winny, and soned to scarlet Winny's cheek and brow, adorned with everything calculated to excite followed instantly by a deathlike pallor, as her interest and admiration, in order that her mind, as Captain Singleton expressed it, might be clothed with the beautiful. I could see that he was anxious to banish past scenes from her memory; but this was not so easily accom- Next day, a note from Captain Singleton plished, for Winny, as her bright and appre- brought young Oakdale to the house; he hensive intellect expanded, would read poetry seemed a good-natured young man, but of in the most dramatic manner, kindling into little penetration, and was quite satisfied with an enthusiasm that would not unfrequently Winny's calm and even formal acceptance of betray her teachers into exclamations of ad- his proposal; but from this moment Winny's miration and applause. But memory shone cheerfulness was gone: even the cordiality most conspicuously in her love of old songs. and joyousness with which she had ever met Her musical acquirements were considerable, her benefactor, disappeared entirely from her both vocal and instrumental; yet after exe- manner. Captain Singleton, too, did not cuting with brilliant effect some fashionable seem to seek her society as heretofore, but, to Italian song of the day, Winny would love to all appearance, busied himself anxiously in sit by the window, and with no other accom- securing her the most ample provision out of paniment than the movement of the clouds, his own fortune, and making the most costly or the waving branches of the trees, sing the purchases as befitting presents for so distinold ballads taught her by her mother. Let it guished a bride as Winny was about to benot be supposed, however, that she was un-come. happy; she was much too good and affectionate for that, returning the lavish kindness of her benefactor with singular and engrossing devotion.

Winny was now seventeen, and had admirers from far and near-undeterred by any opposition from her guardian, who made it a point, apparently of constrained duty, to give every facility to such aspirants for her hand as were by character and circumstances considered unexceptionable. But a change seemed to come over the manners of my hitherto sweet and gracious Winny, for she not only instantly and peremptorily put a negative upon all such addresses, but was even at times pettish and harsh in her answers to her guardian's remonstrances on the subject. At last, young Augustus Oakdale, heir to the magnificent estate of Oakdale Hall, with a lineage from the Conquest, and possessions stretching

Time wore on, and the marriage was appointed to take place on Winny's eighteenth birthday, when, one morning, on entering her apartment suddenly, I found her alone, pale, and weeping, in the midst of wedding finery which her maid had been unpacking, and displaying for her admiration.

"What has happened, my dear Miss Brockley?" I said: "you seem unhappy."

"Do

"O most unhappy!" she exclaimed, throwing herself weeping upon my bosom. you remember," she asked, "those words of Abel Grey when I was a little child: "If anything should happen to make me unhappy or unfriended, I should find a home with him?'”

"Yes," I replied; "but you are placed in circumstances the very reverse of that." 'Apparently so, perhaps, but, in reality, I am miserable."

ORPHAN WINNY.

I know not how far this avowal might have fought, perhaps, to have been forbearing and gone, had not the maid interrupted it, by in- kind. I flattered myself I was wholly unselfforming her mistress that Captain Singleton ish in this matter, and that I could rejoice in wished for a few minutes' conversation with your rejoicing at leaving me and my dull home her. Desiring he might be admitted, she re- for gayer scenes, and nearer and dearer ties." "Oh, not dearer-never half so dear!" quested me to step into the inner room until the interview was over. It was more of a said Winny, as if her whole heart leaped up recess than a room-a large bay-window, sepa- to her clear, dark eyes to show its truthful"But I thought you were weary of me rated from the adjoining apartment by a kindness. of archway, hung with thin muslin curtains;-that at last the poor orphan girl, who loved and here I found myself in the embarrassing you better, ay, a thousand times better than a yet unavoidable position of a listener to the daughter could, had become a burden to you. It was wrong, very wrong; but pride deterfollowing scene. "Miss Brockley," said Captain Singleton-mined me, at the cost, perhaps, of a broken an unusual formality with him-"I am sorry heart, to obey you, and never to breathe a to be the bearer of a most unpleasant commu- desire to remain where I thought my presence nication." Winny's weeping was now over; was no longer wished." "Then let me understand you rightly, her pride now seemed to be wounded by her guardian's coldness of manner: she removed Winny," said Captain Singleton, hurriedly. the magnificent wedding-veil which lay on the "If this marriage, by any unforeseen circumcouch beside her, and throwing it carelessly stance, were broken off, would it not affect aside, almost spurning it from her, merely your happiness?" motioned to him to be seated.

Captain Singleton was closely observant of the whole action, and, in a kinder tone, said: "Winny, I think you must feel conscious that I prize your happiness above all other considerations. I have striven to accomplish it by every means in my power, and do not scruple to avow, that from the day I first saw you, when, a little child, your mother lifted you up into my arms by the wayside, I have felt a deeper interest for you than for any other human being." Winny's pride vanished in a moment, and fervently, but silently, her benefactor's hand was clasped in her own.

"In mind, in accomplishments, in beauty, you were all I wished you to be; my hopes were achieved-you made the happiness of my home; and this happiness, which could never be replaced, I considered it my duty, for your sake, to sacrifice. The alliance with Mr. Oakdale, in many respects, would be a distinguished one; and upon my representing this to you, you seemed to think so too; you calmly acquiesced in the proposal; not one regret ever escaped your lips for the desolation your absence would cause here; and your continued, and, I must say, unkind silence on the subject, at length forced upon me the painful conviction, that I had no hold upon your love-not even upon your gratitude!"

"Ob," asked Winny, in almost wild ecstasy, without answering his question, " is it broken off? Perhaps this letter which you hold in your hand contains my reprieve! Oh, if it does, in mercy say so!"

"It does."

"Thank Heaven! And you-for I am not too proud to beg now-you will not yet discard your poor orphan, Winny?"

"Never will I part from you, Winny, till you beg me to do so," said Captain Singleton. "Then I am happy!" and the poor girl again took his hand, and pressed it affectionately to her lips.

"And now," said Captain Singleton, in some embarrassment, "shall I, or shall I not, make known to you the contents of this letter from young Oakdale? I fear your pride will be hurt by it, Winny."

"Oh," she replied, artlessly, "I had forgotten Mr. Oakdale's letter: I can forgive him anything, I am so much obliged to him. I almost begin to like him!"

"It would seem," said Captain Singleton, opening the letter, "that some one who knew you in infancy now recognizes you, or remembers your parents; for after a preamble, these are young Oakdale's words: "Notwithstanding my great admiration of Miss Brockley, if the assertion which was made in a pubWinny wept violently, unable, had she lic assembly last night be true-namely, that Miss Brockley is the daughter of theatrical wished, to utter a word. "Ay," resumed Captain Singleton, "now parents, and has actually appeared upon the you see and feel the injustice of your indiffer-stage herself-I must, however reluctantly, at once decline the happiness I had promised ence towards me."

"Oh," sobbed Winny, "not indifference-myself by the alliance," etc. 66 Oh, almost screamed Winny," assure him oh, if I dared only tell you!" "Well, well, if I have wronged you, for- that I have been on the stage; assure him give me, Winny. This is a more severe pre- that I will return to the stage; anything that this dismal captivity! face to what I have to announce than I in- will confirm him in his dear, delightful rejectended; and instead of using reproaches, I tion, and get

DXLI.

LIVING AGE.

VOL. VII. 2

But," continued she, in a graver tone, and to be complied with; and Winny herself dewith a natural revulsion of feeling, " am I to blame for that?"

"

scribed to me what took place. On their arrival, Captain Singleton conducted her to the "No, certainly not," replied Captain Single- bedside of the invalid, who seemed strangely ton. It is a prejudice, very often justifiable; excited on beholding her. "I have wronged but in the present instance, it is the pride of you both," said the dying woman: "you have a shallow fool, which rejects a bride, radiant already forgiven me, Captain Singleton, but in beauty and virtue-no matter what her how can I expect pardon from this poor ororigin-whom an emperor might be proud phan girl, whom I have for years known to be of!" and Captain Singleton, more excited the child of my sister?"-"At these words," than I had ever before beheld him, walked said Winny, "Captain Singleton started, and hurriedly about the room. I never felt so turned towards me with a look as if awaking uncomfortable in my life-every moment expecting to be discovered where I had involuntarily become a listener. Winny, no doubt, had forgotten that there was such a person in existence as her poor, insignificant governess; and Captain Singleton, after a moment or two of profound silence, whether catching a glimpse of some one behind the curtain or not, I cannot tell, but suddenly he took up the wedding-bonnet, which was lying on a chair, desired Winny to tie it on, as if it were her ordinary attire, and snatching up a shawl, another article of the ill-used trousseau, wrapped her in it, placed her arm within his own, saying: "Come, Winny: you look pale; the air will revive you, and I have yet much to say," led her from the room.

from a dream: without perceiving this, my aunt continued: "Pride forbade my acknowledging relationship with one who, by the position she had chosen, seemed to have disgraced me. We were orphans, like Winny. The mistress of the school at which she had been placed, for her own interest, complied with my entreaty to be silent on the subject of my sister's imprudent marriage, and so the circumstance faded from the recollection of all save myself. But my injustice to my niece has been an incessant reproach to me. Your generosity, Captain Singleton, on the death of your brother, and which I so little merited at your hands, claimed some return. I knew the gratification this avowal would have been to you, and yet pride kept me silent; but I Thankful as I was to emerge from my hid- could not die in peace until I had done justice ing-place undetected, I could not help laugh- to Winny-tardy, indeed, but which will, I ing at the unceremonious appropriation of trust, yet obtain me her pardon, and give the despised wedding-gear, in which Winny, hope and tranquillity to the few hours allotted though, I believe, quite unconscious how she me." The poor lady died that night, and on was attired, looked charmingly. I had my their return home after the funeral, Captain own surmises as to the sequel of their conver- Singleton said to me with uncontrollable desation, which surmises were soon verified by light: "Now, Miss Howard, I've solved the the bright smiles on all the faces of the house-mystery of Winny's first fascination." hold. But who was to give Winny away? Cap"Thank goodness," said Mrs. Smith, Win-tain Singleton proposed to send for Abel Grey, ny's own maid, "the house is again what it as a proper compliment to that worthy man. used to be master has got back all his good- Cheerfully he obeyed the summons, and behumor, and my dear young lady has left off stowed the hand of his "little pet"weeping her present intended pleases her better than her last, I believe! And what does it matter his being twenty years older than herself? Why, he is only thirty-eight, and looking so young and handsome, that there isn't any lady in the land but would be glad

to have him."

-as he

called her-upon one who loved her with perhaps the strangely blended feelings of a father and a husband.

Before that happy day, young Oakdalethat no one might labor under the mistake of his being left to wear the willow-consoled himself with an insipid, unintellectual beauty, Though the day was not yet specified, every somewhat passée by the by, but then she one supposed the marriage would shortly take boasted of a pedigree as ancient as his own. place; when a message arrived to Captain Captain Singleton would not hear of my reSingleton from his brother's widow, residing signing my situation, now comparatively a in London, who was on her death-bed, re- sinecure; and what was perhaps still more questing his presence, and earnestly entreat-generous, insisted on my accompanying himing him to bring Miss Brockley along with self and Mrs. Singleton on a trip to Scotland, him. Captain Singleton seemed much agita- where, loaded with presents for the family, we ted by these unexpected tidings, which open- all once more, but under such different cirup wounds that had long been healed, and cumstances, assembled round the happy firealso by the singular wish, which was of course side of Abel Grey, the clothier.

ed