your father's death would be too much for your mother. She never knew there was such a per

son.

GER. He would be the soldier Papa mentions as his teacher. I wish I could see him. Did not aunt Stanly err in preventing Mamma from seeing him?

Mr. LORN. I think she did; but at that time I was unfit to think of what would be best for others. Mrs. Stanly did as she pleased.

GER. Now let us go, dear Sir.

THE LAWN.

Mrs. ABERLEY, Mr. Ross, ANNA, EDWARD, and
Mr. LORNTON and GERTRUde,

Mr. ASHTON.
who leans on his arm, stands a little apart.

Mr.

ASHTON moves a few steps to join them, but GERTRUDE motions to him not to approach. People stand around.

Mr. LORN. Edward seems about to make a speech.

EDW. (Going forward towards the people.) My friends, I have told you my intention of residing among you part of every year, (renewed acclamations of joy.) Now, I have to assure you, that I will act exactly as my father did respecting your little farms. I will remove none of you, without finding other means of support for you. (Shouts of joy. Voices exclaim, " God bless you, Sir; God will reward you, Sir,-noble son of our noble Colonel.") I must, however, my friends, make one reservation in giving you this promise. I shall suffer no immorality on my estate, that it is in my

power to prevent; and should I hear of any fraud against government, or any attempt to injure the morals of the people, the man whom I find engaged in such practices shall be removed, should his fathers have been on the estate for centuries. Good conduct shall make long leases,-bad conduct instant removals. You all now possess the Scriptures. Study them, and teach their holy precepts to your households. There you will find the way not only to be saved, but to be pure and holy in your lives. I have taken them for the rule of my own life; and as we shall all be judged according to them, when we meet together at the bar of God, let us seriously begin now to act in all things as they direct. (Some of the people hang their heads, and look grave; others, and most of the women, exclaim, "Oh, that it may be so! God bless his sweet holy young heart! He's like his father. He's owre gude to live," &c. (Looking earnestly at Edward.) at this moment he is his father's

Mr. LORN. Dear fellow image.

(Some bustle among the people; then the young people and children are brought out by a respectable looking elderly man from amongst the people, and approach towards Gertrude. Edward puts his arm ·within that of Mr. Ross, and they also approach.)

EDW. This is your school, Gertrude. Allow me, Sir, (presenting Mr. Ross to Mr. Lornton,)

to introduce my friend Mr. Ross, the clergyman of this parish, to you.

(Mr. Lornton returns Mr. Ross's bow slightly and contemptuously. The schoolmaster arranges the children in an orderly semicircle before Gertrude. Mrs. Aberley, Anna, and Mr. Ashton, draw near.)

SCHOOLM. (Addressing Gertrude.) Madam, the children desire in one voice to express their gratitude to their heavenly Father, and their earthly benefactress, in a short hymn they have learnt to sing.

Mr. LORN. (Glancing superciliously at Mr. Ross.) Got up finely for effect !

Mr. Ross. (With quickness.) For what effect, Sir, do you mean ?

(Mr. Lornton turns contemptuously away, and gives no answer. Gertrude changes from one arm of Mr. Lornton to the other, so as to be between him and Mr. Ross, then addresses the latter.) Will you say for me, Sir, that it will give us much pleasure to hear the children sing their hymn?

Mr. Ross. My dear young people, the ladies will have much pleasure in bearing your hymn.

The Children Sing.

Like erring lambs we wander'd far,

From our Great Shepherd's fold of peace;

Our hearts, rebellious, felt at war

With his strict laws and righteousness.

But though averse to Him, his love

Still sought to bring his wand'rers home; At last his Spirit from above

Taught a found lamb to bid us come.

Oh! Glory then be to that Lord

Within whose fold we seek a place;
And may his love best joys afford
To her his messenger of grace.

(Mr. Lornton, when the clear young voices of the children at once begin the hymn, is much affected, but struggles to overcome and conceal his feelings. The ladies are moved to tears, and, when the children cease singing, go forward to caress and praise them; while the Schoolmaster singles out some children to read, &c. to Gertrude.)

Mr. LORN. (Addressing Edward.) You mean, I suppose, to continue this theatrical seminary? EDW. Certainly, my dear Sir; but what appears to you theatrical, is, I am certain, the expression of the real feelings of the heart.

Mr. LORN. (With a sneer.) An extempore poetic effusion?

Mr. Ross. The hymn, such as it is, was written by the Schoolmaster. There surely is heart, if not poetry in it; and the young people seem to feel it so.

Mr. LORN. Young hearts are easily won, and when won, easily ruled, and turned to any purpose. I detest all this artful machinery to ensnare young hearts.