Brotherly Love.

of quitting the chateau of Monsieur Lefebre . At this period , the taint of infidelity was rife in the coteries of France , and the spirit of Voltaire still impurified the sentiments of the fashionable and philosophic Avorld . The grave dogmas of Christianity , which she had been accustomed to revere as sacred from human doubt , were treated with a scepticism or derision that made her shrink with horror from the conversation to AA'hich she

wassometimes compelled to listen . However , there was one visitor at Monsieur Lefebre ' s who Avas the very reverse of his other guests , and from whose society Ida derived the greatest enjoyment . It Avas the young clergyman already mentioned , who officiated in a small chapel ia the vicinity—for at that tune religious toleration in France was extended to Protestants and Dissenters

so far as permitting them to the exercise of their religious Avorship . without any very stringent limitations . Ida was a constant attendant at service , and . accident made her still further acquainted with tlie cousin of her host , who was prepossessing in manner and person , but chiefly distinguished for the zeal ancl piety with which he discharged liis sacred functions . His reli gious feeling displayed itself not onlbfervid

y y eloquence in the pulpit , but by the energy with which lie entered into the concerns of his flock , administering religious consolation and affording pecuniary relief as far as his circumstances permitted , where it was required . Ida met Mm frequently in her visits in the neighbourhood where

indigence or disease prevailed , and very shortly a friendly and unreserved intercourse sprang up between them . She related to Mm the particulars of her father ' s fate , and described the different subjects of interest in her own locality . He appeared greatly interested in the unfortunate maniac , whom he advised her to visit as often as was consistent with her convenience or personal safety , and he

spoke with something like confidence of her presence and conversation being not only the means of ameliorating Ms condition , but perhaps of eventually restoring him to reason . He spoke with enthusiasm on this subject , and expressed a regret that the scene of his ministery was too remote to permit of his assisting her- in this work of mercy and love . On one occasion there was an earnestness in Ms mannerwhen he spoke

, of the latter , that made Ida raise her eyes involuntarily to Ms ; but sheencountered so much ardour and sensibilit y in his glance , that she immediately bent them CIOAVU , and felt her cheek blushing . She subsequently perceived a constraint in Ms manner for which she Avas at a loss to account , and which extended itself to her while in his company .

This circumstance induced her to take farewell of Mm by a letter , in which she expressed the pleasure she derived from Ms society , and ker wishes for the prosperity of himself ancl his little flock . On the morning of her departure , Ida rose early , and the carriage that was to convey her to tlie next post-town not being ready , and the morning being very fine , she resolved to walk some distance , and gave directions that the vehicle should follow her . She had proceeded a short way alongthe main road , Avhen she perceived the figure of a man leaning a ° * ainst a