The thorns and briars of care and trouble, of which till now you knew not the existence, will meet you there, and make you deem it indeed a wide wilderness, when likened to that which you have left, an unquiet sea, compared to the smooth stream of your former life! Much need have you indeed to prove, ere you embark upon it, the strength of skill of the guide of thy soul, the master of the prow-thy husband! But more plainly speaking, take not the holy state in hand, unadvisedly, lightly or wantonly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly, in the fear of God; then indeed, you may go forth in faith and hope, and joy, though still with trembling, and God will be thy stay, thy guide and thy confidence. Without his blessing, "Unguided sail-unmastered prow," must be indeed thy fittest emblems. More would the old man say to the race of English daughters whom he loves so tenderly, did he think it would have any weight with them, but he fears the words of warning would be breathed in vain. After his poor judgment, "I deem ye happier, if ye so remain." But he well knows the tempting fruit must be plucked and tasted, ere the measure of bitterness mixed up therein will be credited and proved. But as you will doubtless say,-having prosed enough, let us return to the narrative. CHAPTER XVI. "Parental love, my friend has power o'er wisdom, THE news of the celebrated singer Angelo's intended re-appearance on the London stage, had created, with the general interest it excited, emotion of a nature much more intense in the minds of the Seyton family. The announcement came suddenly unex pectedly, without any preparation, or perhaps terms might have been proposed, to ward off the disagreeable position in which Lady Adelaide, in particular, considered that such a state of affairs must place the relations of the unfortunate daughter. Any pecuniary sacrifice would she have urged her husband to make, and Sir Alexander's fortune was so large, that easily might he have offered an adequate sum to the Italian, could he by that means have kept him out of England. But now, it was impossible. The news came to their ears, but a few days before the immediate appearance of Angelo, and he with his wife, must ere then have arrived in London. There was no alternative-nothing left, but to fix what was the best course to be taken in the dilemma, and that point, Lady Adelaide had soon determined. The matter must be carried off with a high, firm hand. Let the singer Angelo appear in public as before-why not? why should they be troubled, or incommoded thereby? why not as ready to enjoy the delight which his arts must minister to them? singer to them, but for What was the Opera his voice-much less the Opera singer's wife? To herself-her husband-her children, Aline in that character was as one blotted out, even from their recollection! * "And I may go to the Opera on Saturday, Mamma ?" the young Ada exclaimed. "Yes, my love, and you will have a great treat; you will hear Angelo sing," answered her mother, striving to look unconcerned. 'Angelo !-Signor Angelo !" the girl exclaimed, the colour mounting to her brow, and the tears involuntarily to her eyes. "What!" she continued, in a low voice, "Aline's husband!" "You will hear Angelo, the Opera singer, Ada: I beg that you will only remember that," Lady Adelaide replied, in a cold, stern manner. "His private history, or of whom he is the 1 |