incredible attractions to a face that was remarkable not only for
simple beauty in its finest sense, but that divine charm of ever-varying
expression which draws its lights and shadows, and the thousand graces
with which it is accompanied, directly from the heart. Her dark eyes
were large and flashing, and reflected by the vivacity or melancholy
which increased or over-shadowed their lustre, all those joys or
sorrows, and various shades of feeling by which she was moved, whilst
her mouth gave indication of extraordinary and entrancing sweetness,
especially when she smiled.

Such was Kathleen Cavanagh, the qualities of whose mind were still
superior to the advantages of her person. And yet she shone not forth at
the first view, nor immediately dazzled the beholder by the brilliancy
of her charms. She was unquestionably a tall, fine looking country girl,
tastefully and appropriately dressed; but it was necessary to see her
more than once, and to have an opportunity of examining her, time after
time, to be able fully to appreciate the surprising character of her
beauty, and the incredible variety of those changes which sustain its
power and give it perpetual novelty to the heart and eye. It was, in
fact, of that dangerous description which improves on inspection, and
gradually develops itself upon the beholder, until he feels the full
extent of its influence, and is sensible, perhaps, when too late, that
he is its helpless and unresisting victim.

Around the two thorn-trees we have alluded to were built circular seats
of the grassy turf, on which the two sisters, each engaged in knitting,
now sat chatting and laughing with that unrestrained good humor and
familiarity which gave unquestionable proof of the mutual confidence
and affection that subsisted between them. Their natural tempers and
dispositions were as dissimilar as their persons. Hanna was lively and