Year: 1877

was thronged with guests; the full moon, rising over the mountain-top, threw it's mellow light over the scene, forming a beautiful picture; and the music dIscoursed by the orchestra, min gled with the merry voices which now and then broke forth in hearty peal of laughter from some one of the merry groups, were well calculated to ''drive dull care away"

 | Glancing over the scene, we noticed, at the further end of the piazza, Frank Thorn and his cousin Edwin, comfort ably seated by themselves. Fine-look- ing young men, both were of wealthy parentage, though in character much different. The former was one of those whole-souled fellows we love to meet and associate with; ever ready with 8 smile or kind word for all, from the greatest to the least of mankind; never losing an opportunity to make a friend, no matter what the social standing of that person might be.

 Edwin, through generally good natured, was pronounced by many as too dignified, and particular in picking out associates whom he considered on his own level, and never considering it worth while to notice the ''common folks,' as he called those who earned their livelihood by industry.

 "I was just thinking" said Frank, as the orchestra ceased playing collection of familiar airs, closing with 'Auld Lang Syne'' thinking how easy it is for some to forget old acquaintances. Now, there is MT. Howard, the old gent you see wonder sitting near the parlor entrance. with two ladies'"

 "Yes," said Edwin, "I know who you mean. I believe he is considered one of the most wealthy of the guests here this season. But go on with your remarks-beg your pardon for inter- rupting."

 "Wen," continued Frank, s'I remem- Der only six or eight years ago, that man did not have money enough to buy him suit of clothes. He was porter for the hotel in the village where we lived. He and the man that keeps the fruit stand down there next to the boat-house were intimate friends. MT. Howard one day became sole heir to a large estate in England, which he sold, and took up his residence in New York, hardly condescending to bid his old associates good-by. The man at the fruit stand told me this morning that MT. Howard had been here two weeks, and though there had had been plenty of opportunities, he had not yet even recognized him."

 ''I think, Frank, it would be the height of absurdity for that old fruit vender to expect MT. Howard to asso- ciate with him as of old, especially under his present circumstances"

 "No-no-Ed, you don't understand me. I don't pretend to say he should associate with him. The fruit vender, as you call him, would not ex- pect that; but do say it would not in the least detract from MT. Howard s qualities as gentleman to recognize the man."

 "Well, you know as well as do, that a man, to sustain his high standing in society, must be very careful, and for that reason would advise you, as a friend, to look out for yourself. Only this morning met Miss May on the gravel walk, and she spoke of your be- ing out in the garden talking with the gardener as if you were bosom friends. Indeed, she said she really believed you would be contented to have no other company than that of such people. told her had been expecting every day to see you bring old uncle Jack, the boat house tender. in with you to dinner, or to spend the evening""

 'Thank you," replied Frank sarcas- tically 'I can't say that feel degraded in the least by the associations; further more, am pleased to be able to bring myself in contact with people who pos sess little common sense, and that I could not do were I to give myself up to Miss May and her friends from the South. And as for Uncle Jack, he is as good hearted an old man as ever stood on two feet, and would rather spend two hours at his little cottage down by the lake than whole day with a cer- tain class of light-headed people who are stopping here, who are regarded as the cream of society. I tell you, Ed, pity a man whose brains run to his pocket t-book; for if he wakes up some morning and finds that he is poor man, what will become of him? He might as well endeavor to subsist on air as to keep ill high society without fat pocket book"

 Edwin, feeling that he was getting cornered in the argument, looked at his watch and proposed that they drop the subject for that evening and retire, ii then being nearly II o'clock. This they did, and, bidding each other good night hastened to their rooms.

 "Well," thought Edwin, as he locked the door after him, ''I don't know but Frank is right, after all. He always seems to enjoy himself more than any. body know; and I believe Uncle Jack and those people do appreciate goot treatment after all, though I never thought of it before. They seem ever ready and willing to do anything they can for Frank, when can hardly ob tain the least favor from them." Thus soliloquizing, he fell asleep. Awakening very early, and perceiv. , ing what beautiful morning it was Edwin decided to go on short gunnine , expedition before breakfast. Having heard some one remark the day previous 5 that wild ducks were very plenty abou , half a mile below Uncle Jacks cottage t he took his rifle and game-bag anC 7 started in that direction.