So far Eustace Trevor's mind was set at rest, though still the fact of the relationship haunted his fancy as a strange striking coincidence. Little did he divine all that this coincidence was destined farther to comprise. Little did he conceive when in his solitary rambles after his settlement at Ll---- he sometimes chanced to meet that young and gentle girl, who had so attracted his interest and attention that first Sunday in the gallery of the church; sometimes tracking with fond alacrity the footsteps of her brother to some lake or mountain stream--or seated in some shady dell, or on some heathy hill, with her sweet smile and dreamy eyes bent upon her book--or plunged in pensive reverie--little did he divine what dream, or rather the mere shadow of a dream, his appearance might chance to dissipate. It may appear unnatural, that during those few years of acquaintance with one so worthy to win the love and admiration of a mind like Mary Seaham's--under circumstances too, which, considering the nature of her disposition, might have seemed peculiarly favourable to produce that end--no corresponding sentiments had been awakened in her breast towards Eustace Trevor. Indeed, we scarcely think it likely this could have proved the case, had the feelings she inspired in his breast been earlier made apparent; but it must be remembered that Mary was very young when Eustace Trevor first came to Ll----, that he arrived too, arrayed in attributes exactly suited to banish from a mind like hers any ideas connected with that of love. The mighty sorrow of which Mr. Wynne had spoken, and which sat so plainly written on his beautiful countenance--every superior excellence of mind and character, more intimate acquaintance only served to heighten--had conspired to render him, in the estimation of the young girl's child-like, but high-toned mind, as one of that order of beings towards whom reverence and admiration were the only feelings to which, without presumption, one like her could ever dare to aspire.