"I have, my dear," she replied, “and he is very sorry you are so ill." "But, dear Mamma, why did you tell him about my arm, when you know it would make him unhappy?" returned Tommy. "Geraldine has taken such care of me that I shall soon be well, and then I can skip; for do you know, Mamma, little Edwin has brought me a skipping rope, which he made himself, and he has presented Geraldine with a pretty little basket; is he not very good to us ?" "Yes, my dear, indeed he is," returned Mrs. Somerville, "and I shall always love him for his affectionate and grateful heart."

Geraldine informed her Mamma, that Henry Rundle had called, but that he did not stay long, and for which they were very glad; he merely brought a message from his mother, to say she would come and spend the evening with you on Thursday next, if disengaged. "Well, my dear, I must send a note then, and invite her to dinner for that day, for I shall be at home all this week."

Although repugnant to her feelings, Mrs.

Somerville could plead no excuse, and a note was immediately dispatched, requesting the favor of Mrs. Rundle's company on the evening she had mentioned.-How distressing to the feelings of a noble mind to dissemble, and affect a friendship foreign to the heart!

We must, in the next chapter, carry our little reader back to Rosemay Lodge, to take a view of passing events during the absence of Mrs. Somerville.

CHAPTER VI.

"Alike the foolish, and the vain,

Are strangers to the sense humane."

DR. LANGHORN.

"Thou found'st me, like the morning sun

That melts the fogs in limpid air;
The friendless bard, and rustic song,
Became alike thy fost'ring care."

BURN.

"DEAR Geraldine, go and take a walk, the fresh air will be of service to you; indeed I am much better;" said little Tommy to his sister, on the morning after Mrs. Somerville went to the residence of Sir George Davis; but Geraldine still continued seated on the sofa by the side of Tommy.

Their mother had been always particularly cautious that they should not indulge in a selfish temper. She had instilled into their youthful minds the duty of surrendering their own pleasures for the gratification of others; and thus Tommy considered he was selfish in keep

ing Geraldine within doors, as her health might thereby be affected; and he earnestly entreated she would go. Geraldine therefore, at length, yielded to his wish; and after arranging his pillows comfortably, she left him, and went into the garden.

Geraldine had not walked there long, before she saw Henry Rundle riding towards the gate; she had always disliked him, and now shrunk from his scrutinizing gaze. He frequently quizzed her for being a little rustic; but she heeded none of that, if he would but have been commonly agreeable; but this could not be, for he was conceited, and what generally accompanies this disagreeable quality, was ignorant and self-willed. It was evident he flattered himself that his handsome face would always make him attractive; he concluded he was every where welcome; and after the usual' how do you do,' said he would spend the day with her and her brother, Tommy, as he was an invalid.

"I thank you, Sir," answered Geraldine, "but my brother is not well enough to see com

"Oh

pany, and Mamma is out, therefore" do not trouble yourself to finish your speech, Miss Geraldine," said Henry, "for I now recollect it would be impossible to stay with you to-day, I must be off to Oxford Street, where I am to meet Captain Dashall; but I beg you will permit me to rest myself for half an hour, for I am tired, and wish to ask your brother how he does."

66

Geraldine imprudently led the way to the room where Tommy was in a profound sleep.Why, Tommy,' exclaimed Henry, in a loud voice, “is this a time for sleeping?" "Hush!" said Geraldine, "you must not wake him."But it was too late, for the voice of Henry had completely roused poor Tommy. « Well, my little friend, how do you find yourself this morning? Are you in any pain? I would not mind having my arm broke to excite such interest, and the kind attentions of a sister like yours." Poor Tommy, whose nerves were weak, could with difficulty reply; and to relieve him from the society of so troublesome a visitor, Geraldine proposed a walk to the green