nished. Every thing relating to the world was to them a source of curiosity. They longed to enjoy its pleasures, to encounter and surmount its difficulties, to shew themselves superior to its vices and admirers of its virtues. When their parent spoke in its dispraise, and repeatedly warned them against its snares and wickedness, they were at a loss to comprehend upon what principles, and from what circumstances she had formed so severe an opinion of human nature. The world, the little world, which surrounded them, appeared like those meadows over which they sometimes played, an even surface covered with flowers, which the feet traversed without danger, and the hand plucked without injury.

In this manner Mrs. Dawson and her little family continued to reside at Dolgelly for some years, until her children, grown up to womanhood, presented to the eyes and minds of beholders two examples of what a bountiful and elegant nature can effect without the aid of art. They were not indebted to the dancing-master for attitude, nor to the corset-maker for figure. The hair-dresser had not taught their tresses to curl elegantly on the forehead, or fall gracefully on the shoulders. The artificial flowermaker could prepare no roses that surpassed the tints which blushed. in their cheeks; no lilies which could vie in whiteness with their bosoms. Society had not taught them to start without astonishment; laugh without being pleased; lament without anguish; and weep without shedding tears. The same nature which had made them beautiful, and given them grace and elegance, had, taught their feelings to respond to the impressions which affected them, So great was their reputation for beauty and virtue, that most people, who visited Dolgelly during the summer months, attempted to procure opportunities of introduction to them; and Mrs. Dawson, because her children were grown up, and of a marriageable state, did not think it right to abstain so entirely from company, as she was accustomed to do on her first arrival at Dolgelly. There are still many stories extant in that neighbourhood, all tending

to shew the almost absolute domi、 nion which these young creatures had acquired by their beauty and conduct over the imaginations of people. Influenced by these causes, and a very minute description of the young ladies, which had been given to them by some friends who had visited Dolgelly, two young men of fortune and respectability, made an excursion into North Wales, for the purpose of seeing them. Having procured a letter of introduction from a banker at Shrewsbury, who was an acquaintance of Mrs. Dawson, they paid her a visit, and received from her, in consequence of the sanction of that gentleman, and perhaps some hints from him as to their eligibility for husbands, a considerable share of attention. That affection which report engenders soon becomes a violent passion when the object surpasses the description. They went to admire and they remained to love. A few interviews convinced them, that these children of simple and unaffected nature far surpassed in loveliness the boasted beauties of society. The courtship of natural and sincere characters is never long. That coy and tedious reluctance, which strives to increase the lover's passion by delay and mystery, and his subjugation by long trials of constancy, are the artificial contrivances of a tyrannical and selfish disposition, generally inculcated to young females by mothers, who have made love a trade rather than a passion. We shall not enter minutely into the particulars of the attachments of these young people; nor endeavour to amuse our readers, by relating the many artless and impassioned vows which were given and received. Let it suffice to say, that their loves were uns alloyed, and not debased by the admixture of any selfish and interested feeling, that ordinary and almost general material with which our affections are alloyed, and to such an extent, that love like the coin in circulation is almost everywhere adulterated by some impure ingredients, which, although they do not interrupt its reception and progress, essentially detract from its intrinsic merit. Their's was the pure gold of the heart. Mrs. Dawson, before she gave her consent to their marriages,

insisted on seeing the parents of these young men, who, although possess ing considerable experience and knowledge, had acted, she thought, on this occasion with some romantic precipitation. These young men, therefore, returned to England for the purpose of declaring their attachment, and requesting the consent of their parents. This was soon obtained; and in six weeks afterwards they arrived at Dolgelly, accompanied by two middle aged ladies, their mothers.

We shall now give a short account of these young men and their mothers. Edward Garvè and Charles Sherwood, the admirers of Catherine and Emma Dawson, were the sons of two intimate friends, whose acquaintance of each other had been formed in consequence of an unfortunate circumstance, but continued after that event from reciprocal feelings and esteem. The following is is the circumstance to which we allude:

A young man, called St. Albert, remarkable for the beauty of his person, wit, and manners, had wasted a considerable fortune in the gay circles of Paris. In proportion as his finances became involved his principles, as a matter in course, became less punctual; until, having been detected in some dishonourable practices, he was discarded by his friends, and obliged to fly that city. He retired to a distance from the capital, and commenced another career as an adventurer and swindler at Lyons. His manners and agreeable qualities soon procured him friends; and, having those fascinating arts which interest and captivate the human heart, he lived for a short time admired and courted by a considerable circle of respectable people. A young widow named Garve, of much personal beauty, possessing a moderate fortune, and the mother of one child, fell in love with him; and being imposed on by his plausible language and insinuating address, delivered her person and fortune into his hands: in short they were married. No sooner did St. Albert possess the lady and her fortune than he slighted the one and dissipated the other: and having reduced her to misery, abandoned her, Eur. Mag. July, 1823.

while in a state of pregnancy, to the open reproaches of her friends, and to the silent rebukes of her own heart, and set out to commit farther depredations on the people of some other place. The next theatre of his villainies was Bourdeaux, in which city he exercised the same arts which he had practised elsewhere; and, having been successful at play, set up his carriage, gave sumptuous dinners, and ultimately gained the affections and the hand of the daughter of one of the wealthiest merchants of that place. The fortune which the parent gave to his daughter was fortunately secured to herself, with the reversion to her children; and this prudent provi sion obtained for her a little better treatment than he had shewn to the other. St. Albert, conscious that his marriage with Madame Garvè could not be long concealed, was anxious to remove to some other quarter, where he might avoid her investigation. He resolves to remove to England; but, not daring to propose to his wife a continued residence out of her own country, he suggested a short trip to England for the purpose of seeing it. In their route towards England they arrived at Paris, when Madame St. Albert, if we may so call her, was suddenly taken ill, and delivered of a seven months' child. In the mean time his first wife, Madame Garvè, whose affection for her husband was not to be subdued by ill-treatment or absence, being recovered from her lying-in, ascertained his conduct at Bourdeaux, and travelled to that place in pursuit of him. She appeared in the presence of the merchant, and divulged the cause of her visit. The astonishment of the family was great; their desire of revenge ardent. Two sons of the merchant accompanied Madame Garvè Paris, and having traced St. Albert to his reidence seized upon his person, and committed him to prison. Madame Garvè, in pursuing her husband, had no other view but to recover him; and when she found that his conduct would subject him to trial and punishment, she transmitted him all the money she could collect, together with a letter, containing promises of forgiveness, if

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he would escape from prison, and retire to some obscure place where she might rejoin him. Part of the money which he received was made use of by St. Albert to bribe the jailor. He effected his escape; but he was no sooner at liberty than disregarding the affection of his wife, and, perhaps, dreading the resent ment of the Bourdeaux family, he hastened down to the coast, and embarked on board a vessel that sailed immediately to America. This circumstance was soon ascertained and reported to his enemies by the police of Paris. The two sons of the merchant prepared to return home, accompanied by their sister and her child. Pitying the condition and misfortunes of Madame Garve they generously offered her an asylum in their house; and that lady having formed an intimate acquaintance with their sister, forgot the rivalship which might have existed between them, if any hope could have remained of possessing her husband, and accompanied them to Bourdeaux. We have stated that Madame Garvè, as well as the lady whom we have called St. Albert, had each a child in her marriage with St. Albert. These children, when their mothers resided at Bourdeaux, were brought up together in that city, until they attained their fourth year; at which period both of them, together with the nurse, who had taken them out for an evening-walk, disappeared, and no exertion on the part of the parents or their friends could ascertain whither they were conveyed. The Bourdeaux lady, about ten months after the departure of St. Albert, married a Mr. Sherwood, an English merchant, to whom she bore the young man who was suitor to Emma Dawson. The suitor of Catherine Daw son was the son of Madame Garve by her first marriage. Mr. Sherwood did not long survive his marriage. His widow, at his death, came to England, accompanied by Madame Garve, for the purpose of laying claim to a considerable property which he had left her. Their resideuce in England proving agreeable, they settled in that country. Such are the outlines of the history of Madame Garvè and Mrs. Sherwood.

The young suitors, accompanied

by their mothers, no sooner returned to Dolgelly than preparations were made for the weddings, which it was intended to celebrate with as much gaiety of disposition and felicity of mind, though not with so much pomp, as the weddings of wealthier people. It is the custom in England for young people on the day of their marriage to abandon their friends, and drive about to inns and watering places in pursuit of amusement. How ridiculous! Amusements are necessary only when the heart is languid and unoccupied; as food is necessary to the stomach when that organ is empty. The passion of love has this advantage above all others, that it is satisfied with its object, and can derive all its happiness from it. Not so ambition, avarice, and other passions of the mind. They ever require some addition to the object attained, and place their felicity in the admiration of the world.

Mrs. Dawson being aware how little is necessary, beyond themselves, to make lovers happy, and convinced that the first months of marriage are of the utmost importance in giving a character to the future prospects of young people, resolved to have her daughters under her own eye, that she might have an opportunity of checking any aberration from the exact equili brium of reciprocal affection and deference, so necessary in the adjustment of marriage life. She therefore proposed that the first three weeks after the marriage should be passed at Dolgelly, and that after that time a tour should be made by the whole party inte Cumberland. This proposal was readily assented to.

On the morning of the marriage the sun rose with great splendour. The sky, clear and unclouded as the minds of the lovers, resounded with the melody of birds, and was scented with the fragrance of flowers. A mild and genial atmosphere covered the face of nature. The trees stood unruffled and serene, and were reflected in the water as perfectly as if they were seen in a mirror. The animals seemed to feel impressed by the character of the morning, and stood or reclined in a manner that denoted a listless and mild languor.

The young men were dressed early, and repaired to the cottage of Mrs. Dawson, that they might be the first to greet their lovely brides. They had not been long in the breakfast-room before the young creatures entered, holding each other by the hand. All rose at their approach. It was the homage paid by virtue to beauty and innocence. A modest blush overspread their cheeks. The congratulations of their friends seemed to oppress, and the assiduities and attention of their lovers to overwhelm them with confusion. They scarcely ventured to look stedfastly in their faces, lest some proof of the exces sive power of their feelings should escape: yet, whatever agitation was visible in their faces, their hearts, it was clear, were filled with feelings which were oppressive only through the excess and immensity of the pleasure which pervaded them. As

soon as breakfast was over the whole party descended to the town, and proceeded to the church. They were accompanied by the blessings of the old and the admiration of the young. While the ceremony was performing, a crowd of men and women assembled round the porch of the church, and were disputing about the beauty of the brides; each allotting the superiority to her, whose outline best corresponded with his own idea of perfection.

As soon as the party returned from church, and were assembled at Mrs. Dawson's cottage, that lady addressing herself to her daughters, said, "My dear children, I have in my possession some jewels that you have never seen, and which I have reserved to this moment as a present to you." When she had uttered these words she left the room for a few minutes, and returned bearing in her hand a small casket, which she deposited on the table; the whole party then assembled round her, and, the casket, being opened, a shriek of astonishment was uttered at the same instant by Madame Garvè and Mrs. Sherwood. The former lady, who stood next to Mrs. Dawson, grasped her directly by the arm, and exclaimed, "Tell me! tell me instantly, Madame, from whom you received these jewels?"—" I received them,' replied Mrs. Dawson, with great coolness, "from my husband."

"And your husband's name," said Madame Garvè was "St. Albert," added Mrs. Dawson. "Gracious Heaven!" said Madame Garvè, and have you too been the unfortu nate victim of that man? A fearful anticipation oppresses me, while I ask the question. You will, however, excuse the liberty I take, and candidly inform me whether these two beautiful and innocent creatures are your own children?"-" They are not," replied Mrs. Dawson; they are the children of St. Albert, and (as he himself informed me,) by different mothers :—but look to Mrs, Sherwood, for she faints."-" And are not we your daughters," said the young ladies to Mrs. Dawson ?"Be composed! be calm, my dear children," said she; "all will be explained to your satisfaction."

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"Never! vociferated Madame Garve," while she stood, wringing her hands in a state of agitation;

they are the most unfortunate of human beings: they have married their own brothers!" At these words every mouth was hushed with astonishment, and a fearful anxiety overwhelmed all their feelings. "What!" exclaimed Mrs. Dawson, 66 are Catherine and Emma the daughters of Mrs. Sherwood and yourself?"

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They are," replied Madame Garvè, "and the union, which promised so much happiness to all, threatens all with misery."

While this conversation was going on the young men had ran to the assistance of Mrs. Sherwood, and Catherine and Emma had retired into a corner of the room, where they hung on each other's neck and sobbed bitterly. Mrs. Dawson was the only person in the company who seemed to possess enough of presence of mind to observe steadily the circumstances before them, and extricate the party from the labyrinth in which they were involved. Addressing herself to Madame Garvè, she said, "It is by no means conclusive that these young men have married their sisters. You are yet ignorant which of the young ladies is your own daughter: upon this circumstance the whole danger depends. If your son has married the daughter of Mrs. Sherwood, he has married a wife in no way related to him: for I conclude, that these young men bear

the names of their father, and are not the sons of St. Albert. Are there no means by which you can discover which of my dear children, for I must still call them so, is your daughter." Madame Garvè, whose faculties seemed to have been quite lost in the apprehension of the misery which appeared to hang over the party, immediately recovered herself, and informed Mrs. Dawson that her child, when she had the small-pox, retained a scar on the right shoulder, which scar she thought could never be eradicated. Mrs. Dawson, who had often observed that scar on the shoulder of Emma, immediately clasped her hands in joy, and exclaimed, "We are safe. She then ran towards her, and seizing her somewhat hastily by the hand drew her towards Madame Garvè, and tearing off part of her dress exposed a lovely shoulder on which the scar was very visible. The spirits of the party began now to recover. The newly married pairs rushed into each other's arms, and Mrs. Dawson said to Madame Garvè, "Was not your daughter's christian name Amelia: for the name of Emma, which she now bears, was, as St. Albert informs ine, adopted for the purpose of concealment ?""She was," replied Madame Garvè. "No farther evidence can be necessary," said Mrs. Dawson; and, turning towards the young people, she observed to them, "Kneel! my children, and return thanks to that Being who has conducted you in safety through the intricacies of a complicated destiny: by His means you have been prevented from committing an error, which would have involved your lives in future misery. You are now secure from anxiety; and the storm which seemed to be gathering over your heads has departed before the gale of a prosperous fortune."

The three elderly ladies now left the junior part of the company, and, retiring into a private room, quietly talked over the singular events which had taken place. Madame Garvè

and Mrs. Sherwood related to Mrs. Dawson the circumstances respecting St. Albert, which have already been detailed to the reader; and the latter lady, at the conclusion of this narrative, gave the following account of her own conduct and misfortunes:-"I became acquainted with St. Albert about twelve years ago, at the house of an intimate friend. His person and his manners soon engaged my heart. My own inclinations, as well as the advice of my friends, induced me to marry him; and, after a courtship of some months, I delivered to him my person, my heart, and my fortune. Soon after my marriage I was made aware of the imprudence of my choice. His irregular and profligate habits, his expenses and habits of gaming, had nearly exhausted our finances, and broken my heart; when, being engaged in some dishonourable transaction at a gaming-table, he received a challenge from a person whom he had wronged. They fought-St. Albert fell.

"He was instantly conveyed home, when he languished for some days, and then expired. Previous to his dissolution he communicated to me the existence of these children, and delivered into my hands the jewels which have led to this discovery. He likewise communicated to me some details respecting his early life: but he mentioned not to me the names of the two ladies who were the mothers of these children, nor gave me any clue which might lead to the discovery. He extorted from me a promise that I would protect and support these children; a promise which I have rigidly adhered to, not less from a sense of propriety, than a sincere love which I have ever entertained for them. Disgusted with the world, and having only a small income, I determined to remove to this place. As soon, therefore, as I had buried St. Albert, discovered these young creatures, and taken them to myself, I repaired hither, where I have since resided."