Year: 1862

proud mind and an empty purse, the keep
ing up hollow show that must soon come
to an end. Have the courage to appear
poor, and you disarm poverty of its sting.
On this point found Leslie quite prepared
He had no false pride himself, and as to his
altered circumstances.


Some days afterwards he called upon me
in the evening. He had disposed of his
dwelling house and taken a small cottage III
the country few miles. He had been
busted all day in sending out his furniture
The new establishment required few articles,
and those of the simplest kind. All The
furniture of his late residence has been sold
except his wfe's harp That, he said was
too closely associated with the idea ofherself;
for some Of the sweetest moments of their
courtship were those which he had leaned
over that instrument, and listened to the
melting tones of her voice. [ could but
smile at this instance of romantic gallantry
in a doating husband.


He was now going out to the cottage,
where his wife had been all day superintehd-
ing the arrangements My feelings had be-
come strongly interested in the progress of
this family story, and as it was a fine even
ing, offered to accompany him.


He was wearied with the fatigue of the
day, and as he walked out, fell into fit Of
gloomy musing.


"Poor Mary" at length broke, with a
heavy sigh, from his lips.


''And what of her?' asked I has any
thing happened to her?


What" said he darting an impatient
glance, els it nothing to be Gagged in a mis-
erable cottage-to be obliged to toll almost
in the menial concerns of her wretched habi-
tation?


elias she rcpincd?'


''Repined: she has been nothing but
sweetness and good humor. have ever
known her: she has been to me all love,
and tenderness and comfort!


''Admirable girlv' exclaimed l. ''You
call yourself poor, my friend, you never
were so rich-you never knew the bound
less treasures Of excellency you possess in
that woman"


"Oh! but, my friend. if the first meeting
at the cottage was over, think I could then
be comfortable. But this is the first day of
real experience she has been introduced
into an humble dwelling has been en-
ployed all day arranging its miserable equip
ments-she has for the first time, knoYp the
for the first time looked around her on a
home destitute of everything elegant-al
most of everything convenient; and may
now be setting down exhausted and spirit
less, brooding over prospect of future
poverty"


There was degree of probability in this
picture that | could not gainsay, SO we
walked on in silence.


After turning from the main road up a
narrow lane, so thickly shaded with forest
trees as to give it complete air of seclu.
sion, We came in sight of the cottage. 1t
was humble enough in its appearance for
the most pastoral poet; and yet it had a
pleasing look. A wild vine had overrun
one end with profusion of foliage; few
trees threw their branches gracefully dis
posed about the door, and on the grass plot
in front. A small wicket gate opened upon
foot path that wound through some shrub
berry to the door. Just as we approached
we heard the sound of music. Leslie gasp
ed my arm; we paused and listened. II
was Mary's voice singing, in style Of the
utmost simplicity, little air of which hcl
husband was particularly fond.


l felt Lcslies hand trcmble on my arm
He stepped forward to hear more distinctly
His step made a noise on the gravel walk
A bright, beautiful face cleaned out of the
window and vanished--a light footstep was
heard-and Mary came tripping forth tC
meet US; she was in a pretty rural dress o
white, few wild flowers were twisted in hcI
hair; fresh bloom On her cheek her whole
countenance beamed with smiles I has
never seen her look so lovely.


"My dear George" she cried, Il am ST
glad you have come, [ have been watching
for you: and running down the lane, an(
looking for you. I've set out table unde
beautiful tree behind the cottage, and Tv
been gathering some of the most deliciou
strawberries for l know you are fond o
them-and we have such excellent cream =
and still here-O!' said she putting he
arm within his and looking up brightly il
his face, 20, we shall be SO happy"'


Poor Leslie was overcome lie caugh
her in his bosom-hc folded his arms aroun'
her-he kissed her again and again-h
could not speak, but the tears gushed int
his eyes; and he has often assured me, tha
though the world has since gone prosperous
Iy with him. and his life has indeed been
happy one, yet never has he experienced


moment of more exquisite felicity.


, HABITS Like flakes of snow that fal
unperceived upon the earth, the seemingl
unimportent events of life succeed one an
other. AS the snow gathers together, S
are our habits formed no single fake tha
is added to the pile produces a sensibl
change; no single action cneates, howeve
it may exhibit, mans character; but a
the tempest hurls the avalanche down tn
mountain, and overwhelms the inhabitan
and his habitation, SO passion, acting upo
the elements of mischief, which perniciou
habits brought together by imperceptibl
A. Al Al 4