The Heir Of Bendersleigh; Or, The Freemason's Promise.

As soon as Henry Elliotson was seated , lie busied himself with some papers before him , and seemed absorbed in their contemplation , while Mr . Grainger exhibited a restlessness in his manner , for he _ was evidently ill at ease . He rose from his seat , and going to a cabinet , opened it , but he seemed to find no satisfaction there and so he returned to his seat . At length , he addressed the young man near him .

"Henry , " he said . " Sir , " was the short reply of the young clerk . "This marriage , as you are aware , takes place to-morrow ; " said Mr . Grainger . " I know it too well , Sir , " replied Henry Elliotson , in a melancholy tone .

" Doubtless , Henry , " commenced Mr . Grainger , in a hesitating tone , " you consider this a severe trial—a trial I know it is—but it is said that trials such as these are sent but to chasten us . By a strange infatuation , we all seem to think that our own individual troubles are the greatest , but you will find , Henry , that many of the world ' s troubles are . only those of self creation , and have their roots in our own passions

and inclinations . It is true , that even the troubles that we create ourselves cannot be wholly avoided by any one , but the experience of a long life will teach that all troubles may be subdued , or softened by submission . I do not allude to a blind recklessness of consequences , but to that control of the passions which leads us to look upon the cares of lifeas being for a far hiher purpose than to inflict pain upon those

, g who may endure them . There is a moral in every care—there is a wise purpose in every check that is offered us , in what we call our happiness , but which too often is the desire which our passions may create . Do you hear me , Henry ?" "I do , Sir , " replied Henry , who , with his elbows on the desk had his face buried in his hands .

"Even in this marriage , " continued Mr . Grainger , " you may learn a salutary lesson , and from it come to think as I clo . No doubt you will think , as most people will do , that I have been what is called hardened by my intercourse with the world . Bather , have I learnt experience—learnt to know that a bridle on our passions is the surest instrument . by which to ensure enduring happiness . Henry , you will

accompany me to this ceremony to-morrow ? " said Mr . Grainger , abruptly , alluding to the marriage of Harriet and Mr . Raker . " Never ! Sir ! " exclaimed Henry , rising and standing before Mr . Grainger , boldly . " Yes , " returned Mr . Grainger , " you will , Henry . " " I cannot , Sir ; " continued Henry . " In the philosophy you would

inculcate in the cold and unimpassioned school of which you would have me be a member , no doubt it would be urged , that such a step would show a triumph over the passions of the heart , and be applauded . But I cannot , Sir , my heart in its rebellious energy to such a lesson as you teach , prompts me to feel , that that which you term calmness ancl submission , is but hypocrisy , or discontent wrapt in disguise . It may be that this is a