106

DEATH S DOINGS.

do not believe it is so—I see nothing particularabout the child, for ray part."

As the young mother said this, she cast her eyeson the child, and saw in its little heavy eyes some-thing which she felt assured was particular—shesaw moreover, more strikingly than ever, the like-ness it bore to a justly beloved husband, and in atone of self-correction added, " Poor little fellow,I do think you are not quite the thing, and shouldit prove so, mamma will not leave you for theworld."

The countenance of the father brightened, and hedeparted assured that the claims of nature wouldsoon fully triumph over any little lingering love ofdissipation struggling for accustomed indulgence;and as he bade her good by, he did not wonder thata star so brilliant desired to exhibit its rays inthe hemisphere alluded to, which was one in thehighest circle of fashion. Nevertheless, as hecould not be present himself, he thought it on thewhole better that she should be absent. A youngnobleman, who had been his rival and wore the