ALL IS NOT GOLD THAT GLITTERS. 135

doomed to disappointment. I never tried to
grasp a substance that it did not fade intoa
shadow! What amI now?” Her eyes rested
upon the reflection, given by the glass, of the
two cousins. ‘Look! that tells the story—
worn in hgert and spirit, blighted and bitter.
You, Rose—even you, my own flesh and blood
—will not yield to me—the only creature, per-
haps, that could love me! Oh! the void, the
desert of life, without affection!—a childless
mother—made so by” She burst into tears, -
and Rose was deeply affected. She felt. far
more inclined to yield her child to the desolate
heart of Helen Marsh, than to the proud array
of Lady ; but she also knew her duty.

‘* Will you grant me this favour,” said Helen
at last; ‘“ will you let the child decide”

‘*T would not yield to the child’s decision,
but you may, if you please, prove her,”’ answer-
ed her mother. .

The little girl came softly into the room, hav-

*ing already learned that a bounding step was
not meet for “ my lady’s chamber.”

‘** Rosa, listen; will you come with me to
London, to ride in a fine coach drawn by four
horses—to wear a velvet frock—see beautiful
sights, and become a great lady. Will you,
dear Rosa, and be my own little girl?”

‘Oh, yes!” exclaimed the child, gleefully ; -
“that I will; that would be *®o nice—a coach
and four—a velvet frock—a~ great lady—oh!