So far from congenial had the union proved, that separation at last ensued--separation by mutual consent, not after any legal process.

Soon after this event, the lady having over-exerted herself at a ball, caught cold, took a fever, and died after a very brief illness.

Her husband, naturally a man of very sensitive feelings, and shocked inexpressibly by too sudden communication of the news, could hardly, it seems, now be persuaded but that some over-severity on his part--some deficiency in patience and indulgence--had contributed to hasten her end.

He had brooded over this idea till his spirits were seriously affected; the medical men insisted on travelling being tried as a remedy, and meanwhile Mrs.Bretton had offered to take charge of his little girl.

"And I hope," added my godmother in conclusion, "the child will not be like her mamma; as silly and frivolous a little flirt as ever sensible man was weak enough to marry.