Year: 1863

mild looking woman in deep mourning. She lived in the town and was known for true and worthy person.

 She had come to see about the advertise ment in the paper.

 Now, Mrs. Gould,' said Mr. Wilbur, look ing up with smile, do you want the place r Not for myself, sir, replied the widow, with low courtesy. I have niece that would like to see in the place, and am sure she would suit you.'

 1 What is her name 2?

 Polly Grace, sir How old is she 2?

 Twenty one, last December Rather young,' said MT. Wilbur. shaking his head; but still, ifyou are willing to re- commend her, you may bring her up. You know just what I want ( I think ventured the widow modestly, that you will find her all you can want. But, sir, have one favor to ask for her. She has not suggested anything of the kind, but know the favor would be appreciated by her. In ear ly life she enjoyed privileges which she has been called upon to give up. She is dear lover of music, aid her father once had piano forte.'

 %, I see, cried Wilbur, you wart that I should allow her to thump on my piano.

 Yes, sr-if it would not be asking-'

 Pooh ! If the girl can play I shall enjoy it to hear her. Soyou may bring her up.'

 Towards noon the widow returned, and with her came Polly Grace.

 sweet, beautiful girl was Polly Grace. A form as faultless as the ideal of a sculptor a face from which beamed health, happiness and love features of rare purity and lovelness soft, melting blue eyes, and hair ot rich golden brown, which hung in bewitching curls when it was not confined.

 And Absalom Wilbur hired her to take the place of the chambermaid, who had gone of and got married.

 Polly Grace came like ray of sunshine in- to the great house. She had pleasant words and smile for everybody she attended to her duties with promptness and cheerfulness, and then when the labors of the day were done, she Sat down to her books, or wandered away in the garden and orchards. At first she did not touch the piano, but Mr. Wilbur finally asked her to play for him, and when he found that she could handle tue instrument, he had it thor oughly tuned and moved out into the litsht. Could Polly Grace play upon the piano

 One day, just as the shades of twilight were creeping softly over the scene, John Wilbur stopped in the hall and listened to the music. He remembered when his sisters used 10 sing, and he remembered that he had heard his mother sing, but he had never before heard such music as that. The notes were as sweet and pure as the warbling of robin, and there was depth and soul in the melody and in the spirit of the song, which fairly entranced the listener.

 On the following day, late in the afternoon John Wilbur walked into the garden with his book under his arm, intending to, read in one of the arbors. He was approaching an arbor near the end of the main walk, when he came upon Polly Grace, but she did not see him Her back was toward him, and, as he had been walking upon the grass, his step had not arous ed her. What was she doing? John was GU. rious to know. So he approached a little nearer and looked over her shoulder. She had sheet of paper spread out before her, upon which she was sketching the scene before her Her pencil was handled with ease and skill and with rapdity and freedom of touch that told that she was mistress of the art. She was at that moment dashing the foliage of the great elm trees, and so absorbed did the young man become watching the movements of those small fingers, and in noting the marvellous eff fleets produced by the rapid touches of the pen cil that he entirely forgot himself. He moved thoughtlessly, and Polly Grace started up.

 o, fe, fe, sir ]! she cried, quickly turning her sketch face downwards

 I beg your pardon, Miss Grace. certain ! y meant no Ouence.'

 It is no offence, sir Pardon me if spoke hastily

 She would have moved away with these words, but John detained Ter.

 Miss Grace, will you allow me to see tho sketch you have been making?

 Certainly, if you wish it, she replied.

 There was no hesitation in her manner, nc mock coyness. She seemed to regard Johr Wilbur as an honorable man, and if it would please him to examine the.result of her labor she had no objections.

 sThe sketch is not finished, sir, as you vii perceive she continued, as she handed it t him but think have done enough to sho, f that the subject is worthy of better penc than mne There are many grand studio

 about this place.

 John Wilbur knew something about art, an f when he took that sketch into his hand h knew that it was a work of more than usus merit. Who. was this young girl that playe F and sang so sweetly, and who handled the per t cil with the skill of a master !? He said some 3 thing about sketc hes in general, and she al