CHAPTER XVII.

MR. HARCOURT had purchased a fine estate in Somersetshire, with a princely mansion belonging to it, where he intended in future to reside. This property he settled, with all his funded possessions, on his niece, and thus rendered her as rich in worldly goods, as she was in intellectual endowments.

Mr. Harcourt was most impatient to introduce his heiress to her new home, and therefore expedited the business which required his presence in London.

It was at the close of a lovely evening in July, that they arrived at Woodlands; the village bells ringing a merry peal as they drove through the picturesque ham

let, which was clustered round the simple and interesting-looking church.

When they reached the handsome gates which opened into the park, the attention of Alice, now completely aroused, was attracted by the appearance of the aged pair, who stood with delighted looks, bowing and courtseying to them as they passed.

In a moment she recognized two old pensioners of her father's, who had long performed the office of gate-keepers at Elm Grove.

Truly did she feel this gratifying attention of her kind uncle; and how gratefully did her speaking countenance look her thanks!

Her mind was now completely en-. grossed by the burst of beauty which the scenery of the park presented to her view. Glades, lawns, gentle hills, retiring vales, wood and water sweetly blended and harmonized in the landscape; the eye every where finding novelty and interest.

The carriage at length drove up before the princely portal; and Alice then felt a degree of emotion she could not controul.

She was now entering a home-an extensive and magnificent home. She knew that she had become a person of importance; for her uncle's boundless and secure wealth, to which she was the acknowledged heiress, had already taught her the power and influence of riches. She saw plainly that it could prove an universal passport; and that the "rich Miss Seymour" derived every importance from that little monosyllable attached to her

name.

Every circumstance conspired to give her happiness; but still the rising tear stood in her eyes, and it was with an effort that she checked it; but she endeavoured to look happy and tranquil, for she saw the look of pleasure and exultation which beamed in her uncle's countenance when he handed her from the carriage, and welcomed her affectionately to Woodlands.

She felt it was ungrateful not to endeavour to participate in his feelings; but memory appeared to be unusually busy at that moment, and recollections of a most painful nature seemed to hang a veil of mourning over this scene of beauty and gratification.

Blessings of every kind were showered upon her; but where were those whose presence would have shed brightness over her feelings? These thoughts would crowd upon her mind, even in this full tide of prosperity, and it was in vain she tried to smile.

The doors were widely opened, and with gratified pride in his demeanour, Mr. Harcourt led Alice through a superb portico into the hall. There she beheld a line of well-remembered faces-all her father's old domestics.

Here was her nurse, the first who stepped forward to receive her; and Alice sobbing audibly, threw herself into her

arms.

Every servant in turn received an affectionate reception; and when she found herself alone with her uncle, most fervently did she thank him for this act of thoughtful kindness.

One old friend she missed; but she did not trust herself to inquire for him just then. It was her old groom Thomas, and with the remembrance of him came that of her still-loved Selim.

Mr. Harcourt soon hurried her from the library to the dining-room, where their repast awaited them. By the time it was concluded, Mr. Harcourt imagining, from the heavy eyes of his niece, that she was fatigued, asked her if she would not now permit him to conduct her to her own apartment, to which she gladly consented.

He then said to her, "My dear Alice, I fear you have yet to witness what will distress your feelings at the first view. Your apartments are fitted up with furniture from Elm Grove; at first they may