a companion, he should be duped by the nostrums of Douglas."

If Wallis found some motive to his. attentions in his jealousy of Douglas, he found still more in Lefevre's rank in the office. Lefevre, he admitted, was second only to himself' in importance, every body talked of him-every body praised him. To have the intimate friendship of Lefevre, was the best way to share in his respect and popularity; and, on having this, he was determined. Full of his determination, he accosted him :-" Well, Charles, now we have done what we can for the office, and the bustle's over, let us meet in a more snug and intimate way. What is life without friendship? hey?-we are just made for one another, depend on't—you have a fine generous heart, and I hope I have a little generosity about me. - But one must not vaunt of one's self—Well, whatever my heart is, it is as you see it no hypocrisy, that's one comfort!—and it's all your own too.-How could I expect friendship, if I didn't offer it. Heart for heart, Charles-that's the only exchange!

Numbers would gladly have one's heart, but they cannot make the purchase—cannot pay in kind-they've no heart-no soul! Well, you have a heart, and a noble one it is-I will make myself worthy of it. And as to our religious opinions, why, we'll think and let think-that's the best philosophy Charles, hey? Consider me then as your own, and with me, of course, all my appurtenances-my horse—my purse-my home; but why should I name them?-come and see us,"

If Lefevre felt a little offended at the flippancy of such addresses, the feeling was presently lost in his admiration of their apparent frankness and liberality. Perhaps his admiration was rather misguided in this instance. He should have remembered, that ease and warmth of manner are distinct from frankness; and, as to liberality, he should have known that, if we only conform ourselves to the course of the world, there are few who will trouble themselves about our idle opinions. He, however, was frank and liberal, and judged of others by his own standard.

Lefevre soon honoured the invitation of his friend. When persons sincerely desire to please, pleasure is easily communicated. Wallis was sincere in his desire, and successful in his effort with Lefevre. His sister, too, was not backward in her endeavours. Separate from her desire to act in unison with her brother, she aimed, by a few obliging attentions, to secure those of Lefevre. It was pleasant to be noticed by a young man, who was noticed and admired by so many; and it might be still more pleasant and convenient if, in time, she could prevail on him to accompany her to an amusement, as she frequently lost the tempting opportunity for want of a suita ble attendant.

Lefevre was gratified with the visit. It was renewed and renewed, till it became a sort of understanding, that he was to spend two or three evenings at Wallis's every week.

Notwithstanding these arrangements, Lefevre could not always be in society. There were still some hours which he was compelled to spend in retirement, and

they lost nothing of their wearisomeness. What was to be done? He could not meditate-it would rather disturb than promote his peace. He could not read his usual books-a dissipated attention, a dissatisfied conscience, interrupted him. The Tales presented themselves. He read some of them. They interested himthey pleased him! How ridiculous he had been to take up a prejudice against them, while ignorant of their character!"

From one extreme, as is often the case, he ran to the other. He had concluded, that every thing that bore the name of novel, must be mischievous and immoral; and now he was convinced that novels were, at once, the most instructive and amusing reading imaginable. His conviction was soon known to the Wallis's; and they took care to supply him so cautiously with books, that it was not materially shaken. He quickly ran through them. His appetite encreased in proportion as it was supplied; and, eventually, he became a most determined and indefatigable novel reader.

CHAPTER XII.

WHILE Wallis was exulting in the hope of reclaiming his friend from melancholy and fanaticism; and while Lefevre was eagerly fleeing from the presence of a conscience which, because it told him the truth, he had foolishly adjudged an enemy; Mr. and Mrs. Russell were filled with most anxious concern.

Lefevre had, indeed, preserved the best appearances before them; but his frankness of character did not allow him to beguile them into a false opinion; and their very attachment to him, while it apologized for his failings, was quick in their detection. They did not know enough of his engagements to say exactly how the change was effected; but they were too sensible a material change had occurred since the renewal of his intercourse with Wallis. His calm and regular pursuits, in which he was once so happy, were now