will join the general assembly at St. Ann's Well, to-morrow, Miss Denys ?"

"Shall I ?" said Flora.

"Oh, yes, of course. Every body goes up there in the morning to hear the German band play; and a very good band it is. We all march up between seven and eight, and come back to breakfast, like good children, at the proper time."

"I am sure I shall not go!" exclaimed Mrs. Denys, rather alarmed at the idea. "You will, though, Astley," said Flora, nodding to her cousin; " and

me."

escort

'Why, Flora, you will not be awake at seven o'clock," replied he.

“Just see. Don't decide before you know

the facts of the case."

"I do not think I could ever get up those hills, Flora," said her mother, rather plain

tively. "Are there no country walks, Mrs. Newton ?"

"There are very pretty lanes, down below the village, and paths through each field and orchard, with little stiles by which you can pass in all directions. And one comes every where on such charming little bits of scenery; quaint old pollards, hanging over deep, still pools; cottages, all gable and twisted chimney, with such flowers in the gardens; orchards, with the most picturesque of pear and apple trees, blown down, bent, gnarled, covered with miseltoe; and such pretty children! I have been quite struck by their beauty."

"Yes, I observed the children were often pretty," said Mr. Clarke in a voice as if he were making a great concession; "but, as to these other beauties, I should like to know who ever discovered them besides yourself. Did you, Mrs. Alder ?"

"No; I never went about in the fields," said the lady he addressed, rather curtly.

Ah! I thought so," continued he; 'they exist in your own lively imagination alone, Mrs. Newton. I have for some time known that you have a talent for discovering beauties, invisible to common observers."

"Not the only happy talent Mrs. Newton possesses," observed Mr. Hamilton, sotto voce. "Flora, we will take a drive to-morrow afternoon," said Mrs. Denys.

"Certainly, mamma; and I hope Mrs. Newton will come with us, to show us the way, and help us to discover some of these beauties."

"I should be very happy," replied Mrs. Newton; 'but I am afraid I cannot accept."

"Oh, do!" cried Flora, urgently; please."

"do,

My dear," remonstrated her mother, perhaps, Mrs. Newton is engaged."

"I wish you would go," observed Mr. Hamilton; "it would do you good."

"Yes; but Mr. Newton," observed she in an undertone.

"Let me walk with him," suggested

Mr. Clarke.

"If that is your difficulty, it is soon settled. I dare say he will not mind

the change."

"Well," said Mrs. Newton, looking

pleased, "if he does not object."

And it was settled accordingly.

CHAPTER III.

These to their softened hearts should bear

The thought of what has been,

And speak of one who cannot share

The gladness of the scene.

Whose part in all the pomp that fills

The circuit of the summer hills,

Is-that her grave is green!

BRYANT.

"FLORA, are you writing a book?" said Astley one morning, after watching his cousin's busy pen for a quarter of

hour.

an