Love took up the glass of Time, and turned it in his glowing hands; Every moment, lightly shaken, ran itself in golden sands. Love took up the harp of Life, and smote on all the chords with might, Smote the chord of Self, that, trembling, pass'd in music out of sight. LOCKSLEY HALL. On the day before that fixed for Mabel's going, a grand ball was to be given at the Assembly Rooms, to which Mrs. Villars and her daughters readily engaged themselves. For this party Caroline and Maria made the most elaborate preparations, for the sake of triumphing over Mabel. They perpetually interrupted her small but neat preparations for her new situation, by begging her just to do this or that little thing for them, though they would not ask her for the world if it made her melancholy. Mabel did everything she was asked to do, struggling all the while to suppress the contempt with which these petty annoyances inspired her. Still the week dragged heavily on, and she could not help rejoicing to think it was so near its close. On the morning of the ball, Caroline requested her, half condescendingly, to dress her hair in the evening, for Mabel's taste in dress was very superior. She consented at once--and, in order that she might give her undivided attention to her, for this last time, she spent the afternoon in finishing her simple packing. When she had nearly completed it, Lucy knocked at the door, and, when she entered, Mabel saw that she had been crying. "Would you believe it possible?" said she, scarcely able to speak for indignation, "but mamma insists that I should go to the ball to-night, spite of everything I say--I did so hope to spend this last night with you. What shall I do?" "You had better go," replied Mabel, "if my aunt wishes it. You have promised to practise self-denial, and we must not choose amongst our trials which we will bear and which refuse." "But how cruel it is to you!" Mabel's lip quivered, for she perceived the hidden purpose of this command. "I should like you to stay very, very much," said she, "but yet I must persuade you to go, yes, even for my sake, do not let it be said that I encourage you in disobedience." "No, no, nothing shall be said against you which I can help," cried Lucy, "and I will go to the ball, if you wish it--but I should be so happy to stay with you, I shall try and get some friend to bring me home early; but let me help you, dear Mabel." "I have done, thank you, only, like all travelling trunks, this lid will not close--jump upon the top of it and press it down for me."