Your children do not see so much of me as Emmeline's, and that is the reason perhaps they are not quite so free with me; but believe mo, dear St.Eval, it will not be my fault if they do not love me." "I do believe you," replied the Earl, warmly.

"I have but one regret, Ellen, when I see you loving and beloved by so many little creatures." "And what may that be ?" "That they are not some of them your own, my dear girl.

I cannot tell you how I regret the fact, of which each year the more and more convinces me, that you are determined ever to remain single.

There are very few in my list of female friends so fitted to adorn the marriage state, very few who would make a better mother, and I cannot but regret there are none on whom you seem inclined to bestow those endearing and invaluable qualities." "Regret it then no more, my dear St.Eval," replied Ellen, calmly, yet with feeling.

"I thank you for that high opinion which I believe you entertain of me, too flattering as it may be; but cease to regret that I have determined to live an old maid's life.