the pride of haughty birth, cultivated intellect, soaring genius and refined philosophy; the humble and contrite heart is its true habitation. Remember, my child, that should your future situation in life be distinguished, the higher your station in society, and the wider the influence which either wealth, or talents, or any thing else may procure you, the more numerous may be the stings which your pride may have the power to shoot around you. And, on the contrary, if you cultivate benevolent feelings, and amiable manners, the more extensive will be the happiness you may diffuse. How often have I seen a sting sent into the bosom of humble merit, (who perhaps only asked a look of recognition) by neglect or disdain, when a smile or friendly word would have cheered and animated it." Justina treasured in her heart these observations of her father. The disease of Melross rapidly increased each day; but we will not dwell on the mournful recital. He blessed his Justina, and sent his blessing to his long absent, but not forgotten child, on the other side of the Atlantic, and consigned them both with messages of love, to the protection of their aunt. He confided his soul to the care of that Almighty Redeemer who had been his guide through life, and who, he felt assured, would be his support in death, and his portion beyond the grave. To his charge and guidance he left his orphaned, portionless children, without a fear; knowing, that he is faithful who hath promised; and he died in peace and triumph. Nor will we dwell on the anguish of a youthful heart, first awakened to wo; yet, which felt, at times, that the richest consolations, the sweetest soothings of religion, and the most radiant anticipations of heaven, are reserved for those dark hours, which the world may imagine are spent in despair. Mr. Westby, who had been one of the principal creditors of Mr. Melross, complying with arrangements previously made with him, procured a passage for Justina in one of his own ships. After taking a tearful and affectionate leave of Mrs. Selwin, she was placed under the care of a respectable lady who was returning to NewYork. The passive and mournful girl was treated with kindness and attention by all the passengers, which she returned with gentleness and gratitude. But she retired from conversation, and seemed to find no other pleasure than in gazing on the expanse of ocean, and watching the waves as they rolled. The excitement which the scene produced had a benign influence on her mind; it seemed to lift her above grief; the world of waters reminded her of the immensity of eternity, and the grandeur of her Creator's kingdom, to which time appeared but a "needle's point," and all below but bubbles glittering in the sunshine. This VOL. I. 4 time, too, so brief, which was given her to serve her Lord on earth; was it right, to waste it in mourning at his dispensations? These, and similar reflections, induced her to make a strong effort to recover something like cheerfulness, and to enter when required into conversation with the passengers. There were also many books in the cabiu, and she tried one day to be interested in one of them; but the keen relish was gone" I used to tell my dear father about all that I read." She closed the book and wept. She tried her needle, and succeeded better in her desire of losing her sorrow in occupation. "He was always pleased to see me industrious." This thought gave a new charm to sewing, and it now became part of the employment of each day. The thought of what he would approve, often prompted her to do what else might not have occurred to her mind. "He wished to see me affable and polite to every one." She therefore, notwithstanding a timidity, her father once feared she would find it difficult to conquer, reciprocated every act of politeness, spoke a word of kindness frequently to all the domestics, and had something expressive of benevolent feeling generally blended with religion, to say to the rough sailors whom she passed on deck. The sweet influence of her manners was thrown over them all, and they refrained from swearing in her presence, because she had gently hinted that it pained her. Nearly five weeks had now passed on the sea, when the light of Sandy Hook was hailed by the voyagers, " like a star in life's tremulous ocean," and soon after the magnificent harbour and city of New-York opened to their view. "It is my native land," cried Justina. as her heart glowed with the thought that she was an American; " I shall always love England too," said she, melting into tender remembrances; "it is the land of Cowper, Milton, Hannah More, Edgeworth, and of all the writers that have amused my childhood, and informed my youth. It is also endeared to me, for ever, by the society and instructions of my father, and as the land where his sacred relics lie." After an absence of nine years, Justina landed in New-York; she had left it when a child of six years old, and she returned a tall and elegant girl of fifteen. Her aunt had removed to A soon after Justina had gone to England, and she still resided there. Justina went therefore to the house of Mrs. G. Ranmore, who had married the brother of her aunt's late husband, and who had also been the friend of Justina's mother. "It is Justina Falkland herself!" exclaimed Mrs. Ranmore, on seeing her. She received a most cordial welcome, from this lady and her two daughters, who had once been Justina's playmates, and who were now tall and sprightly girls; their brother, too, who had formerly shared in their infant amusements, was a promising and handsome youth of eighteen, and was just leaving college. The young friends were delighted again to meet, and it seemed to Justina as if there would be no end to their questions about London, and all she had seen there. She opened and displayed the contents of her trunk, where Mrs. Selwin had packed her books; the kind Mr. Westby, too, had taken her into a shop, in London, to select some new works, to take with her to America. She was at the time indifferent on the subject; but now she was pleased to think she possessed the power of making little presents to her friends. They would gladly have detained her some time with them, but she was too impatient to see her sister and aunt, to listen to their wishes. |