Ross laughed and took her away, and Joanna, looking smilingly at Ellen, said--"Are you quite as much at a loss to understand all this as my mother, Ellen? Come, do exert yourself a little, and perhaps by and bye, with Mordaunt's assistance, you may find out the meaning of some of these extraordinary things." Ellen half laughed, and blushing, told her she was very teasing; but the pleasure which shone in her eyes evinced she was tolerably sure the cause of these new appearances, when explained, would not be disagreeable. Mrs. Ross came in again with a face of wonder, and saying only--"Lord bless me! well,--what strange things have come to pass!--come, Ellen, child, make haste and dress yourself as nicely as possible--come, Joanna, I want you--there are fifty things to do," took Joanna away. Ross joined Ellen, who was hastily putting up her work, impatient to escape to her own room, and reflect in quiet; and taking her hand with paternal tenderness, while his fine countenance was radiant with benevolent joy, said:-- "Compose yourself, my dear child; abate as much as possible this evident emotion; for though with pleasure I tell you every wish of your heart is likely to be fulfilled, nay in some respects perhaps exceeded, yet I would have you receive Mr. Mordaunt's declaration, of what I believe to be the sincerest regard, with something of composure, nay, even of dignity: for though, my dear girl, your station in life may, and does render you his inferior, yet, with your mind and person, he ought to think the affection of a heart so guileless no mean acquisition. Go, my dear, to your room, and tranquillize the too visible agitation of your spirits." Ellen affectionately kissed the kind hand which held her own, and silently retired. CHAP. IX. ----The sun goes down; Far off his light is on the naked crags Of Penmanmawr and Arvon's ancient hills; And the last glory lingers yet awhile, Crowning old Snowdon's venerable head, That rose amid his mountains---- ----Where Mona the dark island stretch'd Her shore along the ocean's lighter line. SOUTHEY'S MADOR.