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FRANCES BEAUMONT.

have never been out of my head a day. I have asked in every quarter I could discover. Little did I think when I came so reluctantly on this visit, that here I was to find you." It was now so late that they were obliged to separate, but as Fanny rose to go, Miss Elphinstone said,

"You had better think of packing up, for I tell you fairly—I leave here to-morrow, and you must accompany me. Now do not even look hesitation. Remember, I am such a spoiled child now that I will have my own way. Henceforth you are my sister," and, with a little gentle violence, she half pushed Fanny out of the room, to prevent an answer.

Miss Elphinstone soon fell asleep, full of pity and wonder at all her former friend had gone through, and equally full of resolutions to make her in future as happy and comfortable as possible.

Fanny's meditations were of a less satisfactory order. She was not only older in years, but far older in experience than her friend;