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"He's gone--his soul hath ta'en its earthless flight, Whither? I dread to think--but he is gone!"

BYRON

Mr Hah perfectly conscious that his end was rapidly approaching, had scrupulously avoided the subject in the presence of the girls One , he lay quite exhausted Death was at hand, and feeling intuitively that the appointed hour had arrived, he requested all to withdraw, save Florence When they were alone, he laid his hand on her head, and said, in a low, feeble tone--"Florence, I aive you my last advice I aone; trials without number are in store for you Oh! my proudhearted, beautiful Florence, ill become of you now?" He covered his face with his hands a moment, then continued--"I do not wish you to return to your native place My child must be dependent on no one, yet to leave you here so unprotected, is hard indeed Dr Bryant has promised to watch over you, and the Carltons are kind friends Florence you -ood Mary, will be near, to co weaker, but there is oneI wish to say"

He paused, and for the first time Florence spoke

"My father, tellI cannot bear now"

"For my sake, Florence, if not for your oill you prouided by Father Mazzolin?"

"Do you ion, s: matters of interest, as well as matters of faith He will assist you much, if you will but follow his advice and directions"

There was a pause, and then Florence said slowly, as if weighing every word--"Rest assured your wishes shall be my laill consult the Padre as you desire"

With a look of relief the dying man sank back on his pillow, and closed his eyes Florence quickly summoned the physician, and her aunt and cousin A little while after, as Mr Ha Mary, he extended his hand, and when she bent over hi kiss on her pale cheek Even as he did so, a dark forlided to the bedside Another moment, the uncle and niece were separated; none kne, yet the Padre stood between, whispering low in the sufferer's ear Al for breath, the latter intimated his desire to confess for the last time And they were left alone